Entering Farmer #20438
My husband and I are both Cornell University graduates. Erik was a Natural Resources Management major and I was a double major in both the Plant Sciences and Agricultural Sciences. I was a top graduating senior in the Cornell Plant Sciences Department and an American Society for Horticultural Sciences recognized 2011 Collegiate Scholar. Erik and I were also both Nationally Ranked NCAA Division I athletes. I held a job throughout college, secured scholarships, and worked incredibly hard to graduate with no student debt. My parents, both full time farmers, couldn’t afford to contribute to my college education and my degrees are entirely self-funded. After taking the GRE’s, I decided to follow my heart and return to the family farm rather than pursue a graduate degree. As the youngest of four daughters, it had become clear that none of my other sisters were likely to take a full time interest in a farming lifestyle.
Erik and I are now full time farmers, deriving 100% of our livelihood from the land we steward. As you can see from our university interests, we work each day to secure a stable and sustainable future for our farm. We direct market all of our farm products to local communities. These communities benefit from having a direct connection to the farm and farmers who produce their food. We began further processing our livestock into retail cuts of meat in 2014 and have been slowly expanding our products and customer base. Currently, the farm sells more than 95% of its livestock directly to the end user by retail meat cuts, internet sales, local farmer’s markets, a Meat CSA Program, and live animal sales. Feel free to check out our farm online: https://www.twinbrookfarmsandlivestock.com/
The recent Wayne County Agricultural Development Plan detailed that there was a 30% decline in agriculturally related firms in the county between the years of 2006 and 2015. I wish I had the statistics from the most recent 2022 Census of Agriculture as I write this note. Wayne County has been losing farms at a rapid pace over the last 10 years. That same development plan detailed that the number of farmers older than 55 increased by 40% from 2002 to 2012, while those farmers younger than 55 declined by 26%. In 2012, 60% of principal farm operators worked off farm. So the county trends are: aging farmers that are forced to work off farm because they are unable to derive a sustainable livelihood and very few young farmers entering the business. Of course, we are seeing similar patterns across the country, but Wayne County risks losing the majority of experienced farmers to aging and retirement leaving little opportunity for young farmers to enter the playing field once properties are lost to rising land prices and development.
Do you have livestock and hay ground? If you are a retiring farmer living somewhat near to us with no heir., please reach out. If you’re seeking young farmers will love and appreciate your farm land, please reach out. If you’d like to stay in your farmhouse indefinately and would consider a creative ownership agreement, please reach out. It hurts my heart to see georgeous farms fall into ruin and sold to development. If we can help prevent the loss of your farm, while expanding our own access to additional hay and grazing ground, please reach out.
I have dreams for my family farm. I see a future for my family farm. We’re doing it! I need your help to safeguard these irreplaceable resources -the rural landscape and our family farms- by supporting and protecting farmlands and working landscapes.
Entering Farmer #20426
We have outgrown our current location and need to find a larger farm as soon as possible! We are expanding our farm so that we can increase production of grass fed lamb, mutton, beef, chicken, and eggs and make them available on a first come first serve basis to our family, friends, & patients here at New Tripoli Whole Health.
Our entire family has a great love for the outdoors and for farming. I grew up this way and feel very blessed to see my children finding joy and fulfillment doing the same. My wife Lindsay went to school for organic agriculture at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. We have been utilizing organic, regenerative, and sustainable agricultural practices long before these concepts made their way into the popular culture. Our animals are raised on grass and out on pasture by rotational grazing.
For us, becoming the temporary steward of even a small parcel of land in this great big country of ours is one of life’s greatest honors. We take the responsibility of caring for the land very seriously. We would like you to know that our future intentions for the property include farming in a sustainable and regenerative manner while simultaneously improving the land for native vegetation and wildlife. We ARE NOT interested in developing or selling land to a developer and we will do our best to see the property remain a farm for many generations to come.
Entering Farmer #20425
I am seeking an opportunity to grow medicinal herbs with a focus on native medicinal and edible plants, Chinese medicinals and raise rabbits for the animal food industry. I also wish to grow figs and seasonal heirloom vegetable plant starts. I plan to market the herbs wholesale dried to the retail business market initially and potentially grow into food processing beyond dehydration. I currently have a collection of heirloom figs that need a proper in ground home. I wish to utilize the figs for both fruit production and fig tree starts. I believe the leaves can also be utilized for sale.
I am seeking a career change for a more satisfying and fulfilling live work environment. I started my career change exploration by working at a greenhouse grow production business then a retail nursery business. I spent a month on an ecotourism focused organic farm this past summer. I have experience in B2B sales, real estate sales, property management and hospitality.
I have a rough draft business plan and see an opportunity opening in the market of medicinal herbs grown in the USA as well as a burgeoning health pet food movement. There are few providers in this region for this market opening.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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.