Entering Farmer #20311
A farmer leasing land for organic vegetable production. Very interested in conventional land that I can transition to organic and continue veg and fruit production and incorporate grazing as well. I’ve been a farmer for 4 years.
Entering Farmer #20280
Established 10 acre vegetable farm looking for additional acreage to expand our vegetable growing. We grow using natural methods. We are interested in parcels over 2 acres in size, ideally in Eastern Allegheny county. We currently lease all our land and can provide references. We have been farming for over ten years. We have our own equipment.
Entering Farmer #20269
We are a family of 6 living in Allegheny County. Emily is a recent graduate of the Bidwell Training Center Horticulture Program and has completed a 1 month internship at Quiet Creek Herb Farm and School of County Living where she harvested a variety of medicinal herbs (not Cannabis ) and prepared them for sale in the farm shop. The farm practiced permaculture style growing including vermiculture, composting, humanure, huglecultre, mushroom logs, high tunnels, and raised beds. She has some previous work experience in non-profit bookkeeping and is interested in natural textiles and home sewing. Karl manages the photo department for a professional sports team but is looking for a career change that would allow him to work from home. We are interested in a permaculture land stewardship partnership. possibly with Karl helping to market a CSA or farm business and Emily gardening and potentially homeschooling. We have been working to make this a financial possibility and have been debt free (expect for a small mortgage) for about 7 years. We could possibly have an extra income stream if we rent out our current home. We do not want to start completely from scratch, so a mentorship leading to secession would be ideal.
Entering Farmer 20184
Looking to carry on the dairy farming in our family; Iam 4th generation.With the goal to be the first to own a farm(We have only ever rented farms). I want to own a farm to carry on to my own generations or to someone that wants to continue the legacy of farming. Iam very passionate about Ag and farming. I just need that helping hand up in finding a farm. (I would of course find ways to” pay it forward “). This farmgirl isn’t afraid to work hard and get her hands dirty. I have been raised on a dairy farm my whole life. Currently milking 125 dairy cows with my dad.
Entering Farmer 20178
My name is Jacqueline and I’m a first generation farmer interested in livestock production as a means to improve land and mitigate climate change. I dived headfirst into farming in 2020 when I took an internship in the Adirondacks of New York on a goat dairy and diversified livestock farm. At the peak of the pandemic, I moved to live and work as an intern at Asgaard Farm & Dairy in upstate NY. My responsibilities there varied widely and I improved my skills in many areas: animal husbandry rotational grazing and pasture management, making and packaging hundreds of pounds of cheese daily, operating farmers’ markets and managing online sales and marketing, record keeping from animal chores to inventory upkeep, and more. It was during this season that I discovered my love of farming and committed to a lifelong career of producing and promoting food made well.
The next season, I was accepted into the Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training Program and relocated to the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania to work on this highly respected and well-known organic research farm. With a team, we grew a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers and served a 100 member CSA and a couple of markets in underserved communities in surrounding cities. This work was supplemented with educational experiences: classes on topics from soil health to financial management and drawing up a business plan, as well as visits to surrounding farms, retailers, and food system operations. My first year here was an absolutely incredible experience but I especially gravitated towards the livestock component of the program. I helped raise pastured pigs, broilers and laying hens, Thanksgiving turkeys, and a small herd of steers under the guidance of my mentors.
For this upcoming season, I am planning on following through on the second year track of the RIFT program. The second year will hone in on team management and tractor skills and further develop my business plan and strategy for my own operation. With all the connections I have made at the Rodale Institute, I intend to find the right opportunity to develop a profitable and sustainable business. While the specific details of the future remain open-ended, I have a very clear idea of my values and goals and trust that my previous experiences will guide me along to the right situation.