Entering Farmer 20190
My name is Elise Hanksand I am the owner and sole operator of Terra Luna Herbals, an apothecary and wellness goods brand, based in Philadelphia. In addition to the retail end of Terra Luna, there is a major focus on herb gardening and land stewardship. The gardening portion of the operation has been based, over the past 3 years, in an urban community garden plot. As happens with many city garden plots however, this lot will soon be unavailable to Terra Luna, leaving me no choice but to relocate to another, ideally more permanent, growing situation. We are looking to expand the Terra Luna herb and flower growing operation over the next few years on a piece of land that gives us enough space to grow a significant amount more crop than we have in the past. We will be growing herbs for our in-house herbal product line as well as flowers for a cut-flower program (to sell to florists as well as the public.)
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 20179
I am a new farmer. Last two years we leased a five-acre farm and a fifty-acre farm site in NJ. These properties had irrigation, high tunnels and barns. We farm with the purpose of offering fresh fruit and vegetables to underserved communities. I believe in less inputs and a healthy regenerative process to growing food. Prior to this I have worked in regional hospitals as Culinary & Nutritional Manager, and I have 30+ years in the gourmet restaurant and resort industry. We currently operate an online marketplace which features home delivery to try to get nutritious foods into the hands of those who need it most.
I am seeking either a smaller parcel to grow vegetables and herbs, to supply my customers and a farmers’ market. Or I would like to take on another larger parcel but with support to help make the venture successful.
Entering Farmer 20173
Hello! My husband and I have a passion for farming and we want to take it to the next level. We both have degrees in biology. I spent a year in California working on the Philo Apple Farm where I was involved in the organic and biodynamic cultivating, planting and harvesting a vegetable garden and herb garden for use in the on site cooking classes, a flower garden to provide fresh flowers to the Boonville Hotel, caring for and harvesting the orchard, as well as raising and processing livestock and poultry for consumption. I have experience managing an on site farm stand, as well as selling products at the San Francisco farmers market. I have another year of experience growing organic vegetable farm in Montana that provided around 100 shares of produce to the Flathead Valley through our CSA program. My husband and I currently have 1.6 acres. We have planted a small orchard, and converted about 1/4 acre into garden beds in which we successfully have been rotating crops such as organic corn, beans, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, garlic, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, peppers, carrots, beets, parsnips, Swiss chard, lettuces, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, and more. We have a small raspberry patch and strawberry patch, herbs, and a wildflower patch for our two bee hives. We also have 10 chickens. We are looking for any opportunity to expand this production. Ideally a lease to own situation, but we are open to just about anything. I currently work as a scientist at a pharmaceutical company, and my husband is doing contracting work with a family roofing business.
Entering Farmer 20168
Hello,
My name is Arielle. In doing research about the various programs I found this organization. I am very much interested in working with FarmLink and the USDA to apply for a loan to buy a farm operation and make a difference in Pennsylvania. I am new to this process and wondering who I need to be in contact with and how to apply to various programs to buy property. We would like to be at most 2.5-3 hours away from Philadelphia where our families are located.
About me, I am a recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University. I am a person of color. My partner Edwin and I have an immense interest in farming and entrepreneurial spirit towards natural solutions to existing problems. Our family is in the midst of learning how to care for alpacas and goats to produce yarn, wool, Goat Milk and Cheese. We are also learning to produce herbs and local honey by planting gardens, building and maintaining an apiary. We have a small business collective where we vend our artisanal natural products at local farmers markets in Philadelphia. This is the specific type of production we are looking for assistance. We have the skill set to sustain our growing family by farming.
Please reach out with more information on applying for assistance to begin building a black owned farm in Pennsylvania. All assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Attitude of gratitude,
Arielle Reid
Entering Farmer 20167
I grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee and after graduating high school joined the Army Reserves. After serving there and working in the civilian world for a few years, I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture and Geodesign, but while in school fell in love with farming. I have been growing food crops for non-profits and the like while in school and since finishing, roughly the past 7 years. Growing food is very important to me and at the moment, I grow food crops for a hospital in my area, and the food goes directly to patients of the hospital who have been screened as being food insecure.
While this is very fulfilling work, I am interested in starting my own cut flower business, using resources I have at my disposal at work right now and expanding as the business grows over time. I have the growing knowledge and have access to a greenhouse and seeds/supplies for germination through work and funds I can put into it, but I know nothing of the marketing and sales aspect and don’t have access to space that would yield profitable (I would not be able to grow much where I work given the requirements to grow food crops). I am currently working on a budget schedule and business and marketing plan and think a mentor would be ideal at this point.