Entering Farmer #20259

I am the son of a 3rd generation dairy farmer; I was raised on a dairy farm, and I am now looking to become the next generation to carry on the legacy. I am looking for a dairy farm to rent / lease in Pennsylvania, but we are willing to consider further options. Housing for my family and I would have to be included.
I am also interested in renting crop land in Juniata County.

Entering Farmer #20254

I am a 32 year old veteran and beginning rancher/farmer looking to lease land on which to launch a sustainable agriculture production operation. I have recently completed the veterans agricultural business training program Battleground to Breaking Ground offered by Texas A&M/Texas AgrAbility . While attending the course I obtained knowledge, skills and resources related to business management, farming, and ranching. I also refined my business proposal which lays out my phased plan to begin and grow the business for which I will produce pasture raised poultry, pork, and beef products, with a goal of eventually adding fresh produce and value added products. My first phase enterprise is pasture poultry. My plan can be adapted to scale to available land, although I am seeking a property capable of sustaining growth, an enclosed building such as a shed or barn would be a great feature.

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.