Farmer Method: Sustainable

Entering Farmer #20418

Our young family is looking for land to start a small operation. We plan to begin with a homestead to meet our needs and then eventually expand to sales to others. We love to create spaces for people to have real experiences and would love to offer those experiences to people.

Although I am technically a novice, one side of my family were orchard growers and the other side were dairy farmers. I grew up going to my grandparents conventional dairy farm and helping out there. I’ve also owned chickens and I have experience with horses and goats. I have always had a garden, whether a small apartment garden or a large garden on the 5 acres I grew up on. I have a lot of generational knowledge that is just part of me and I didn’t realize I had until I moved to the city. My husband brings business management, real estate, and budgeting experience.

Although my family farmed conventionally, I’m interested in more sustainable and organic practices on a smaller scale. I plan to start with a large garden and quickly add chickens and angora rabbits for wool. From there, the plan will depend on the land and what systems are already in place. Some land is better suited for goats vs sheep or full size dairy cows vs mini cows. If roosters are allowed, I would love to breed lavender or splash Orpingtons.

Entering Farmer #20414

Seeking Partnership to Preserve and Grow Sugars Bridge Farm and Camp Barnyard

Dear PA Farm Link Team,

My name is Sharlene Bund, and I am 50% owner of Sugars Bridge Farm, a 15-acre property located in Chester County, PA. Our farm is home to a small herd of alpacas, and it also serves as the site for Camp Barnyard, a farm camp for children ages 6 to 12.

My passion for farming began in my youth, growing up on various farms (horse, cattle, and sod) in Alberta, Canada. After high school, I traveled through the South Pacific, working on diverse farms and deepening my appreciation for agriculture. I pursued a degree in Marine/Freshwater Biology, with the aim of owning an aquaculture farm, and gained valuable experience working on an Arctic Char farm in the Yukon. My career then took me into research, where I contributed to various saltwater and freshwater studies as a professional technician. Additionally, I spent four years on Canadian draggers off the West Coast and a season on a Polish factory ship in Canadian waters, processing Hake (West Coast) and Whiting (East Coast).

My lifelong interest in the Farm-to-Table movement has evolved into a passion for the Farm-to-Fashion industry, as I learn about the alpaca and llama industries, transforming raw fiber into finished products. The response to our Alpaca Tours has been overwhelmingly positive, revealing a shared fascination with farm life. This inspired me to launch Camp Barnyard, where children delight in participating in farm chores and experiencing the joys of rural life.

Over the past five years, I have poured my heart and soul into this farm and camp, and I am deeply committed to preserving this 15-acre historic farm. I have already built strong connections with West Bradford Township and Chester County advocates for farm and open land preservation.

Unfortunately, my current farm partner, who is involved solely in the real estate aspect of the farm, is seeking to buy me out, possibly with a potential plans to subdivide the property. I would like to position myself to buy him out, ensuring that this historic 1790 Chester County farm remains intact and Camp Barnyard the Alpaca Tours keep evolving. I see how we could be a part of Penn State, New Bolten Center – Penn Vet, West Chester University and so much more. We could have open/home schoolers be a part of Sugars Bridge Farm; a growing educational platform.

I am actively seeking a new partnership with someone who shares my vision for the future of both small and large farms. I believe in the potential for growth and goodness that has already begun here at Sugars Bridge Farm. If you or someone you know is interested in preserving and expanding this unique venture, I would love to discuss the possibilities.

Please feel free to explore our website, social media channels, and YouTube videos by searching “Sugars Bridge Farm.” This farm is not just a place; it’s an opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation about the importance of preserving farmland and supporting farmers who take on the risks to keep our agricultural heritage alive.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Warm regards,

Sharlene McKinley Bund


Website: SugarsBridgeFarm.com

Email: Sugarsbridgefarm@gmail.com

Phone: 610-203-4141

Entering Farmer #20411

I have recently relocated to the Pittsburgh area and am working or UPMC as an administrator. I have a natural science degree in rangeland ecology and management from Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas where I studied natural holistic sustainable ranching practices. I am a third-generation rancher from South Texas and have managed a registered Limousine cattle ranch out of college and then started my own cattle business 25 years ago. My plans are to bring my ultrablack genetics up her and purchase additional registered Angus females to start a angus cow herd up here.

Entering Farmer #20409

I have been working as a hired farm manager of a beef operation for about 10 years, and had 5 years of farm hand experience prior to that. I am looking to connect with landowners to purchase and/or lease land in the area to expand on my cow/calf Simmental herd that my wife and I just started on our own in 2020.

Entering Farmer #20408

My husband and I started our herd of Simmental beef cattle in November 2020 and have been renting land to raise them on, but are looking to potentially expand and would need more land to do so. My husband has approximately 10 years of experience with being a farm manager for other farm owners, and around 5 years as a farm hand previous to that. I have been helping him manage our herd since we acquired our animals.

Entering Farmer #20406

I am a young farmer currently working with my dad and brother on our dairy farm. Our farm is certified organic for over 30 years now. I am interested in leasing land to get started on my own.

Entering Farmer #20405

I’m looking for a space where I can live and grow without the overwhelmingly concern of losing the land; I’m looking for a space to recreate my own farm; I’m looking for a space to call home.

My intentions in farming are deeply focused in health and community, both the biodiversity of our wild scapes and the neighbors who rely on fresh produce and connectivity. I’ve been growing produce, culinary and medicinal herbs, and flowers since 2010, plus a few seasons raising poultry and small ruminants. My knowledge has been learned from experience, classes, mentors, and relentless curiosity. I’ve spent a decade managing field production, farm startups, labor, marketing, and sales. In 2017, I started my own farm comprised of CSA, wholesale, and market sales. Due to restricted land access, my own farm took pause, and I refocused my efforts to manage other local farms for the past few seasons.