Entering Farmer #20331
We’re a military family that have been active since 2005. With retirement looming, we’re exploring how we might transition into farming.
Entering Farmer #20324
I’m currently farming in a 1500sqft warehouse growing microgreens, Hydroponic Saffron and just starting to test growing truffles indoors. I’m currently small scale, but am looking for land to expand and grow. I have Farm internship/apprenticeship, Farmer training and took workshop on farm for work experience. I have Trial and Error, along with different veteran to farmer programs and if they didn’t have the classes I wanted I looked on activity section on AirBNB to look for blacksmithing classes and also part of Cornell university veterans group
Entering Farmer #20321
My name is Alec Greeley. I got my start farming in New Hampshire in 2015 as a farmhand for a successful CSA in the town right where I grew up. In 2018 I moved to Jersey to live with my then girlfriend, now wife, and continued working for a diversified fruit and vegetable CSA in Pittstown. There, I gained even more experience on all levels of the enterprise, first as a field hand then the wash barn manager, and finally the assistant field manager. Currently, I’m finishing a horticulture degree at Delaware Valley University. I’ve also had a few seasons experience with raising chickens for meat and eggs and goats for meat here in Pennsylvania. Growing healthy and simple foods is my greatest passion in life. Since the first time working on a farm I’ve dreamed about living on and running my own operation. I’m hoping my time studying horticulture will enable me to make informed decisions about not only the plants I grow but also all species on the future farm. I firmly believe a worthwhile farm will aim to be a part of a healthy agroecosystem by replenishing nutrients and supporting both farm and non farm life. As far as business plans go I think it is very important to create something very site specific and so remaining flexible is critical. However, I’m interested in and have the most experience with organic vegetable and fruit production and pasture raised chicken and goats. Some structures I’m interested in include CSA’s, wholesale (I do have some local connections that could help with this), even education and agrotourism. There needs to be more farmers and gardeners in my opinion and I have a good amount of experience in college and on the various farms I’ve worked teaching the public and training workers on sustainable farming methods. This is an aspect I’d really try to work into whatever business model is ultimately pursued.
Entering Farmer #20306
Looking for a place for our family to expand pursuits and have space to share together. We would like space to grow our butchering and value added food production, beekeeping, maple syrup, and other interests.
Entering Farmer #20298
My husband and I are beginner farmers currently enrolled in the Beginner Farmer Training Program at Rutgers University. Currently we own a small farmette in Burlington County, New Jersey where we raise small stature dairy animals including registered Nigerian Dwarf goats and Miniature Cattle (Jersey’s and Belted Galloway-Dexter crosses). We also have pastured poultry and sell eggs to local customers. Recently, we have started a market garden where we grow vegetables intensively in a small space. I am a bread baker and will be applying for a cottage food permit in order to sell my bread along with the produce that we grow next season. Off of the farm, I work part-time as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my husband is a full-time machine operator for the local gas company. Growing up, my uncle had a beef operation in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Though he no longer actively farms, he still resides on the land and is our mentor. We are looking to purchase a larger farm property so that we can expand our current operation which would include beef and possibly a micro dairy in the future!
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.