Entering Farmer #20512
My name is Cheryl. I am a single mother of two children, ages 7 and 15, living in Ellwood City, PA. I currently have a small garden, five cats, and a half dozen chickens, but I have a vision for so much more.
When I lived in South Carolina I was a social worker, and I saw how difficult it is to place older foster children. I promised myself one day I would take in foster kids of my own and look out for them during the most chaotic time of their lives. The adage says, “it takes a village…” but our villages are gone. Traditional community can be hard to come by, and my partner Brendan and I want to change that. We want a working farm people can visit to form connections through labor, education, and socialization. I want to build a community here and bring a sense of belonging to children who need it. However, first, we need to lay a foundation. We need land to care for, and space to create a village. And we have a plan.
For the past two years Brendan and I have researched what it would take to make our dreams reality and put small-scale plans into action. We composted, collected rainwater, and built a large coop and run for my chickens. We looked into sustainable farming, noting local farms and parks we would like to emulate, and met with a local rescue farm that takes in animals seized from abusive environments.
Our plans will be flexible depending upon the existing land and infrastructure, but our overall goals include a nonprofit agribusiness and event venue that combines sustainable farming, hospitality, and community outreach. We intend to have a large barn that serves as an event space for weddings and festivals, as well as themed cabins for guests. We have discussed having a small cafe featuring foods grown on the property, and space for artists to grow and experiment. I currently host paint-and-sip events in local businesses and homes, and we have acquired a kiln, as well as a large movie screen to showcase films by local students and amateurs.
This is our plan. Our life goal. Our retirement. I was blessed to find a man who shares my dream and wants to take on this challenge with me. It will take a village, but I think that’s exactly what this community needs.
Entering Farmer #20500
Looking to buy a farmstead or homestead or property to start one. Looking to raise birds and pigs to start initualy for myself and family and then possibly as a business. Looking somewhere an up to 2 and a half hours from west chester PA
Entering Farmer #20457
I’m a beginning farmer looking to scale from homestead-level production to a small, diversified operation on 50–100 acres within 2–3 hours of Pittsburgh (and ~2–2.5 hours of Columbus/St. Clairsville). I’m seeking a lease-to-own (or lease-first, buy-after-easement) arrangement. The ideal farm has tillable ground plus woods so I can combine forage/crop production with managed woodlot uses (trails, habitat, firewood, and future agroforestry plantings). My near-term plan is to establish soil-building rotations (cover crops, hay/pasture), grow feed and market garden crops, and then add a small starter herd/flock as infrastructure allows. Long-term, I want a resilient, regenerative system that improves the land, supports wildlife, and serves local markets. I’m comfortable with conservation easements that keep the land in agriculture and can help lower the eventual purchase price. I’m organized, reliable, and ready to begin with a practical, phased plan and steady sweat equity.
Entering Farmer #20434
We are looking to start our own dairy farm and raise our own herd. My husband and I both have experience in farming as well as dairy herdsman ship and breeding. We are looking for a farm to purchase or rent in or around Bradford county PA with 20 or more acres