Entering Farmer #20328
I am currently in search of a farm to own. I have advanced degrees in forages/grazing management and plan to have a multi-species grazing operation with hair sheep, cattle, and chickens. My goal would be to reduce amount of hay feeding days each year, so I would likely be stocked a little lighter, but employ strategies to extend the grazing season, such as stockpiling. If possible I would like to set aside a little land for pollinator habitat, and in a perfect world I would have some native warm season grasses to graze in the summertime. I would like to purchase yearlings or fall-born weaned calves in the springtime to take advantage of the spring flush of forages, graze native warm season grasses during the summertime, and then sell during the late summer and save the fall growth and stockpiled forages for the sheep to graze into the winter.
I grew up on a small conventional dairy farm where I milked Holsteins in a tie-stall barn, picked rocks, unloaded square bales, and chopped all of our hay once I turned 14. In middle school, I bought my own two Jersey heifer calves and worked to pay off their room and board, and their milk checks (along with working part time and coming home to milk cows) helped get me through college debt free. I interned on a ranch in South Dakota, which is where my love of grazing began and which spurred me to go to graduate school to study forages and grazing.
After moving around the country for school, I have finally found a place to settle and am looking to own a small farm. Ideally I’d like at least 20 acres of pasture and in a perfect world I would have some forested acres for hunting as well.
I have already thought out a business plan and created enterprise budgets for my dream farm, so now all I have to do is find it!
Entering Farmer #20325
I am a retired Army Aviation Officer. My wife and I are looking for a multi-functional property to operate a horse breeding program, capable of self supplying hay/alfalfa, and establishing an apple orchard for a hard cider enterprise. Onsite water source is preferred (ie pond, spring or stream), with a modest dwelling preferably 3 bed/2 bath.
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 #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 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 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