Farmer Acreage: 1-10 acres

Entering Farmer #20594

I’m a self-taught software engineer. 20 years in the field, no college, no bootcamps. I learned everything from books and figuring things out on my own, and I built a real career from that. I recently walked away from tech to do this full-time. I know how to teach myself things and stick with them.

This interest goes back 15-20 years. When I lived in New York City, I started ordering from Miller’s Organic Farm in Pennsylvania. Raw milk, pasture-raised meats, eggs, goat’s milk, kefir. Raw milk was hard to get back then, especially in NYC. I eventually moved to Missouri specifically because it was one of the few states with clear laws allowing raw milk sales. I’ve been there six years. So this isn’t a new idea for me. I’ve been living this way and thinking about farming for a long time.

At some point I thought: why am I paying to have this shipped to me when I could just go to the source and grow it myself? That question stuck with me. I’ve since read extensively. Joel Salatin, Greg Judy, Jean-Martin Fortier, and especially Daniel Mays. His no-till organic vegetable approach is what I want to do. I’m not interested in extracting value from the land. I want to improve it. Build soil health, increase biodiversity, follow nature’s model instead of fighting it. Organic is non-negotiable for me. No pesticides, no compromises on that. I’m starting with vegetables, not livestock. Vegetables are a good way to build experience before taking on animals.

I’m looking for either a farm incubator where I can learn from experienced farmers and get hands-on experience, or a small property (1-4 acres) close to a population center, ideally within 10 minutes, for intensive vegetable production. Market access matters. Depending on the opportunity, I have different business plans formulated for how I want to make this work. I can provide those upon request. I know Year 1 is for learning. I’m planning to follow Daniel Mays’ approach: one-time tillage to establish beds the first season, then transition to full no-till with cover crops starting Fall 2025.

I have savings from my previous career, so I’m not depending on Year 1 farm income. I’m committed to working on this daily. I’m also open to working on other farms while I learn. What I want is to blur the lines between work and recreation. To do hard physical labor that actually produces something, grow food for myself and others, and live a quieter life.

Entering Farmer #20590

I am beginning my farming journey. At this point, I am researching and trying to learn as much as I can. I am looking for resources on how to enter farming, how to get started with purchasing land, and what I will need to start from the ground up. I am passionate about being a part of agriculture in PA. Thank you for having me here!

Entering Farmer #20574

My homestead was created in 2021 as a livestock breeding program; however, it’s morphed into providing livestock education and interaction to my local community with the herd animals by providing cuddle sessions, special events, and family photography onsite. I’m looking for continued opportunities to expand business operations, marketing strategies, and increased education.

Entering Farmer #20571

I am currently a senior in college studying agribusiness at Delaware Valley University.
I have experience with greenhouse production of lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, cannabis, and ornamentals.

I am looking for a place to start working in field with hopes to buy a small parcel of land.

Entering Farmer #20563

Ideally looking for 5-10 acres in the Adams County area, preferably Fairfield or surrounding areas such as Orrtanna, Gettysburg; however will consider larger if within budget. Small farm property for horses, possible boarding and training business- current horse owners and daughter (currently in high school) planning equine vet career in college, so this would be a multigenerational farm to be passed down. Would like to incorporate a small agribusiness venture if possible, depending on location and zoning or a complimentary farming opportunity on property for crop production or hay production. Can be unimproved land, property needing clean up or work or current use. Ability to build one home eventually on property would be a bonus, but not required. Would love to find a property that was once used for horses and needs updating to bring it back to life and continue to be farm property instead of being developed!

Entering Farmer #20556

I’m an aspiring young farmer committed to building a long-term, sustainable operation that I can live on and grow over time. My vision is to start with laying hens, meat goats, bees, and diverse vegetable crops, with a focus on regenerative practices and ethical animal care.

My goal is to create a productive, hands-on farm that supports both myself and my local community — eventually expanding into a full-time livelihood rooted in stewardship, hard work, and connection to the land. I’m looking for an opportunity to begin small, learn continuously, and develop a thriving farm I can call home for years to come.

Entering Farmer #20554

I studied agriculture, ecology, and food systems at Cornell (2021) and have worked on organic farms in California for the past 4 years, as both farm manager and farm operations assistant. I am excited to be moving back to the East coast where I have land access in Berks County via family. The 8-acre farm is currently being farmed by a local dairy farmer, who has grown organic feed for his herd for many years but is retiring soon. I have plans to start a small farm on this land where I want to increase the acreage of perennial food crops (apples, blueberries, and other specialty fruit crops) as well as grow organic dry/storage food crops. Though I grew up in Philadelphia, I have never farmed in Pennsylvania and will need to significantly acquaint myself with the region and resources available there.

Entering Farmer #20542

I am a first generation farmer who is currently leasing land in an incubator farm program. 2025 was my first growing season.