Farmer Method: Sustainable

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.

Entering Farmer #20403

Fernando Rodriguez
8500 Pine Road
[Philadelphia, PA, 19111
fernrod6@gmail.com
267-252-2636

Objective:
Dedicated and experienced Resident Farmer with a proven track record of managing the historic Fox Chase Farm, a demonstration and educational 112-acre farm within the School District of Philadelphia. Seeking an opportunity to continue sharing my passion for sustainable agriculture and education.

Professional Summary:
Resident Farmer at Fox Chase Farm, a renowned educational farm within the School District of Philadelphia, where I have overseen farm operations, educational programs, and community engagement for the past 4 years. Committed to promoting sustainable farming practices and fostering a love for agriculture in students and visitors alike.

Experience:

Resident Farmer
Fox Chase Farm, Philadelphia, PA
2021 – Present
– Managed all aspects of the 112-acre demonstration and educational farm.
– Oversaw crop production, livestock care, and farm maintenance operations.
– Developed and implemented educational programs for students and community members.
– Collaborated with educators to integrate farm activities into school curricula.
– Conducted tours, workshops, and events to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices.
– Assisted in planting, harvesting, and caring for crops.
– Managed livestock, including feeding, health monitoring, and breeding programs.
– Maintained farm equipment and facilities in good working condition.
– Participated in community outreach activities to promote local agriculture.

Skills:
– Sustainable agriculture practices
– Crop management and rotation
– Livestock husbandry
– Farm equipment operation and maintenance
– Educational program development
– Community engagement and outreach
– Strong communication and leadership skills

Certifications: Penn State Extension
– Beef Production and Management
– Beef Quality Assurance
– Grazing 101: Sustainable Pasture Management for Livestock
– Rasing Small Flock Poultry
– Dairy Skills: Transition Management
– Dairy Skills: Feeding Management
– Dairy Skills: Milking Management
– Dairy Skills: Reproductive Management
– Dairy Skills: Calf and Heifer Health
– Pork Checkoff: Transport Quality Assurance

References:
Available upon request.

Entering Farmer #20402

We are currently involved in conventional grain farming and hay production and are actively seeking to expand rented acres. We are also willing to certify land as organic, and are seeking feedlots barn and pastures.

Entering Farmer #20399

I’m a this generation farmer looking to expand my own operation. I have a degree in agroecology from Penn State and worked as a conservation program specialist for a consulting firm helping farmers with conservation and sustainability.