Farmer Profile: James Smith

James Smith is an experienced conservation planner and forest manager who has restored endangered forests and brought them back to their native states, including running nurseries to raise native species for the projects. James has integrated small scale farming and timber production into restoration projects and doesn’t believe these interests need to be opposed. James is also a trained landscape architect with successful installations in climates ranging from the tropics to deserts to the temperates.

James uses environmentally conscious, low input methods of farming and habitat restoration and practices minimal disturbance to maintain and increase soil health and maximize flora and fauna biodiversity. “I enjoy creating something beautiful and inviting to both people and pollinators,” James says. “My style is not hedgerows and grass lawns since these are not environmentally friendly. Instead, I create biodiverse lawns (if a lawn is a must), wildflower meadows, vegetable beds mixed with fruit trees and edible flowers, etc. I also keep up with the latest trends in landscaping, meaning that if a client found something on the internet they would like replicated, I can do that (provided the right budget).”

James is interested in continuing conservation work and restoring native species to a property as well as integrating small scale farming of edibles or ornamentals into the project. “I want to reiterate that I am not interested in working with yield-only focused projects, or ‘fast returns at all costs’ types of arrangements,” James says. For personal use, James is interested in having a small plot of land for vegetables, fruit and nut trees, berry shrubs, ornamentals, and native species on a small to medium scale.

The commuting distance James will travel from New York City will depend on the intensity of the project, and an overnight or weekend place to stay would make the work much easier. James is open to developing management and business plans with landowners that share similar values and visions but would prefer a short-term and small-scale leasing arrangement for now.

Visit James Smith’s Profile

Published July 2022

Ag Updates

Dairy Cows eating silage in the barn.

Applications Open for Dairy Funding Accelerator Program

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has opened applications for its upcoming Northeast Dairy Funding Accelerator (DFA) program. The 20-month intensive training curriculum will combine virtual and in-person sessions, as well as group and personalized Business Technical Assistance (BTA) training to help each participant meet their individualized needs. Funding for the program is being provided by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). Applications are being accepted until December 1, 2023.

Learn More & Apply

Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship logo blue and white

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Program is seeking participants!

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) Program is designed to empower farmers and agricultural advisors to gain and share both the knowledge and tools needed to be resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.  This cohort-based learning opportunity is for farmers and agricultural advisors who are interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and planning, as well as peer-to-peer networking and support. Applications are due by midnight on November 11th, 2023. 

Learn More & Apply

Cornell Small Farms Logo

Register Now for Cornell Small Farms Online Courses!

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

2023-2024 Online Course List Learn More

Sam in field

Looking for an on farm job or have a farm job you are hiring for?

Are you looking for a farm job? Are you a farm looking to hire help? Check out the 'Find a Farm Job' page on the New York Farmland Finder website! 

Post a Job  Browse Job Listings