Entering Farmer #20331

We’re a military family that have been active since 2005. With retirement looming, we’re exploring how we might transition into farming.

Entering Farmer #20293

I am a 41 year old army veteran who has been learning about farming for the past 10-15years in many different ways. I started out volunteering at Kimberton CSA and have worked and volunteered at multiple vegetable farms in PA and VA. I also have some experience with sheep and pasture management. I’m currently finishing up the 9 month Veteran Farmer Training Program at the Rodale Institute. This program has greatly expanded my knowledge of farming and helped me to define my specific interests. My intention is to raise grass fed lamb. I would also like to explore grain production for human consumption and flax for fiber. I’m looking to start with a small flock of ewes but have enough space for the flock to grow.

Entering Farmer 20190

My name is Elise Hanksand I am the owner and sole operator of Terra Luna Herbals, an apothecary and wellness goods brand, based in Philadelphia. In addition to the retail end of Terra Luna, there is a major focus on herb gardening and land stewardship. The gardening portion of the operation has been based, over the past 3 years, in an urban community garden plot. As happens with many city garden plots however, this lot will soon be unavailable to Terra Luna, leaving me no choice but to relocate to another, ideally more permanent, growing situation. We are looking to expand the Terra Luna herb and flower growing operation over the next few years on a piece of land that gives us enough space to grow a significant amount more crop than we have in the past. We will be growing herbs for our in-house herbal product line as well as flowers for a cut-flower program (to sell to florists as well as the public.)

Entering Farmer 20168

Hello,

My name is Arielle. In doing research about the various programs I found this organization. I am very much interested in working with FarmLink and the USDA to apply for a loan to buy a farm operation and make a difference in Pennsylvania. I am new to this process and wondering who I need to be in contact with and how to apply to various programs to buy property. We would like to be at most 2.5-3 hours away from Philadelphia where our families are located.

About me, I am a recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University. I am a person of color. My partner Edwin and I have an immense interest in farming and entrepreneurial spirit towards natural solutions to existing problems. Our family is in the midst of learning how to care for alpacas and goats to produce yarn, wool, Goat Milk and Cheese. We are also learning to produce herbs and local honey by planting gardens, building and maintaining an apiary. We have a small business collective where we vend our artisanal natural products at local farmers markets in Philadelphia. This is the specific type of production we are looking for assistance. We have the skill set to sustain our growing family by farming.

Please reach out with more information on applying for assistance to begin building a black owned farm in Pennsylvania. All assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Attitude of gratitude,
Arielle Reid