Entering Farmer #20421
My name is Andrew Wraith. I am the founder of the Ecoculture Project LLC, which is a start-up business looking to pioneer an innovative model for cultivating wild food on nature preserves, which can be harvested in a pick-your-own fashion (i.e., forage-your-own), and be managed using a permit based system (much like hunting and fishing). I’ve been working as the Agroecology Project Coordinator at the Willistown Conservation Trust’s Rushton Farm program for the past few years, while pursuing my Masters in Environmental Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (graduated December 2024). My studies were split between learning nonprofit management tools (finance, governance, fundraising, etc.) and ecology (Soils, wetlands, etc.).
My capstone research project (something I worked on for the duration of my time at Penn) focused on researching and creating a replicable business model for an ecoculture business. This project was the result of a literature review, interviews with practitioners and thought leaders, and from my own hands on experience starting a business and working at a successful CSA farm in Chester County. The result was a 75 page report (the beginnings of a book), a three year budget plan, a website, and a registered LLC.
I am looking to launch my business once either funding is secured, or a favorable land situation is identified (i.e., low-cost enough to justify proceeding without funding).
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 #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 #20393
I have 12+ years of experience growing native plants and marketing them as food and medicine for humans, livestock, pets, and wildlife. I work as a consultant designing and installing regenerative ecosystems for landscaping, silvopasture, organic permaculture, aquaponics, and retail/restoration nursery stock. My mission in life is to create new models for symbiotic relationships that make the environment and humans more healthy. I am open to leasing land but my ideal situation is lease-to-own or to join an established, complementary operation looking to expand and diversify their vision.
My complete bio can be found here: https://www.revivingwisdom.com/about
Phase 1: I am looking for space to expand my organic native plant nursery operation. This can be done in a relatively small space but I am hoping for larger fields to grow local ecotype seed and live-stake stock. I will host educational workshops on-site as well.
Phase 2: I would like space to establish native plant demo gardens to inspire customers. I will also grow bulk medicinal herbs for the community.
Phase 3: I am interested in diversifying the operation with rows of native food forests to fold into packaged + preserved beverages, jams, etc.
Phase 4: Native food/medicine rows could be used for silvopasture operations in the future (dairy, wool, grass-fed meat, etc.), giving pasture-lands a break for regeneration.
Phase 5: As the team and operation expands, I am interested in many other models for sustainable, regenerative land use at the intersection of human + ecosystem value.
I am also open to taking on an existing operation (regenerative livestock, orchard, etc.) alongside my nursery business.
Entering Farmer #20392
I am going into my second year at of leasing at the Seed Farm.
I participated in the Rodale Farmer thing program prior to my first season at the seed farm.
I have the business started and I am quickly growing and curtailing the main markets that fit the business.
I am looking for maximum 5 acres of land for very long term lease hopefully lease to own contract.
Entering Farmer #20389
I am a hydroponic farmer and I am looking for more land to build or add on to my current gutter connect greenhouse. I grow leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers for Universities and local markets.
Entering Farmer #20387
We are Ryan and Anya Hanna, a young(ish!) couple and aspiring farmers looking to establish an agroforestry farm in our home of Adams County. We are passionate about regenerative agriculture and agroforestry, and plan to create a perennial polyculture system centered on tree and woody shrub crops. We’ve presented our robust business plan to several local lenders, our local economic development office, and our local land conservancy (we plan to preserve our farm), and are pleased that they have all been very supportive of our vision. We are also currently enrolled in the AgBiz Masters Program with Horizon Farm Credit.
We are targeting around 40 acres in active or fallow row crop, orchard, or pasture (some wooded areas also OK), within Adams County. While we would prefer to purchase, we are also open to a long-term lease of 35 years or more, and are happy to explore other creative arrangements, such as occupancy rights that would allow the current owner to remain in their home for as long as they’d like. We would love to share more details about what we are looking for, along with more information about us and our vision.
As is the case for many aspiring farmers, land access is proving to be our biggest challenge. We are looking forward to partnering with a seller whose vision for the future of their land aligns with our own, and who is interested in helping the next generation of young farmers put down roots. Any support you may be willing to provide will be deeply appreciated. The best way to get in touch with us is at AdamsAgroforestryEnterprises@gmail.com, or at (8 four 5) – 9 eight 7- two 761. Thank you!
Entering Farmer #20386
I am 22 years old and have 3 years of regenerative farming experience. I have worked on a farm on Lopez Island, Washington where I learned about rotational grazing of cattle, market gardening, and commercial compost production. Next, I worked on a farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland where I grew veggies and berries in a 2 acre market garden, rotationally grazed cattle, sheep, and chickens, raised pigs in the woods, and even had my own personal dairy cow and taught myself how to make cheese. Finally, I worked on a market garden in Sellersville, Pennsylvania where I learned a bit more about the business side of operating a farm.
I would love to have my own farm one day to grow veggies in a market garden style, graze livestock in a rotational system (cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep), and would also like to have some dairy cows (would be interested in starting a small creamery). I am looking for a piece of property where I could make my farming dreams a reality and live on the property, too. It would be nice to take over a farm that someone is no longer interested in farming and eventually buy in from them. Since I am young and have been farming, I do not have the capital to buy a piece of land outright.
Entering Farmer #20371
My husband and I are graduates of the PSU College of Agricultural Sciences and grew up actively involved in 4H and FFA. We do not come from farming families, but have found a deep love for it.
Chris previously worked as a Herdsman for 300+ cow/calf beef operation and a Relief Technician for Genex. He is now the Career and is now the Specialized Career and Technical Education Advisor – Agriculture for the PA Department of Agriculture.
I work in the Hershey Area as a Cancer Researcher using animal models.
We previously rented 150 acres, making hay, wheat straw, and corn; as well as maintaining a flock of roughly 100 commercial Katahdin ewes. We recently refocused our operation to buy more land (instead of renting) and improve our genetics. We have a strong customer base both for show lambs and hair lambs, and are desperately looking for land to buy in order to expand our operation.
Our current property is only 10 acres, on which we manage 10 head of commercial Katahdins brood ewes, 10 head of wether type crossbred show ewes, and 3 head of beef cattle. We grow our own hay and rotationally graze our stock roughly 8 months out of the year (but would love to do more!). While we do vaccinate our animals, we believe prevention is the best medicine, and therefore strive for the best management practices as well as select for the right stock in order to avoid the need for antibiotics and anthelmintics, unless absolutely necessary.
We are passionate about maximizing our rotational grazing and improving the soil, as well as supporting and educating local youth. We love the constant challenge to improve our genetics and systems to best meet the needs of our clients while remaining highly profitable.