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 #20413
Entering Farmer #20412
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 #20410
Future farmer, semi-retired, in search of one to two level acres of paradise to start a small farm. I would like to raise a few chickens, a dog, and enjoy the quiet. I have a medical background with a desire to become a farmer. My experience with farm animals is through volunteer work. I anticipate that this endeavor will take time to accomplish.
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 #20407
I grew up on a dairy farm and worked down the road on neighboring dairy farms as well making hay in the summer. I moved to Kansas when I was 18 with the army worked on my wife’s cattle farm. She had her own small herd. We also worked for her dad who had several more head Beef cows we moved back to Pennsylvania and want to start our own beef herd.
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.