Farmer Strategy: On Farm Store/Stand

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 #20424

I have been farming for a couple of years now, gradually growing from just chickens to sheep and cattle. I am looking to lease or purchase good land for ag activity.

Entering Farmer #20416

My wife and I are small business owners. We own a home remodeling business. I have been working in the field over 20 years. My wife and are not totally foreign to farm work. We have some learning experience on a couple of farms for a few years. We had experience working beside farmers on a beef farm and Airbnb a couple of years ago, and a local farm and educational center last year. We are looking for a farm mentor, and lease in order to gain more farm experience and eventually buy a farm of our own.

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 #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.