Farming Status and Plans
Farming status:
Part timeDescription of farming status, plans, and practices:
I currently have small flock of sheep ( 19)most are registered Tunis heritage style ,Originally started with sheep to train herding dosg , then feel in love with sheep . I have raised lambs for meat ,sold breeding stock , and raw wool. I have worked as head herdswoman for Goat Dairy .,Attended many many workshops and seminars , intensive rotational grazing, sheep & goat health , low stress live stock handling , lambing etc etc. I am passionate about managed rotational grazing,and what it can do for the land, the animals and working with nature instead of against it. I reclaimed 10 acs of overgrown land with sheep and goats. I currently own my property but am looking to relocate, partly because I am too isolated and have deep desire to be in community.
I am interested and open to being a fulltime (live in) caretaker or steward for your country place or farm. I will provide excellent animal care for many species ( livestock , canines ,felines) property/land maintenance and all the hard work to keep a place going. Advise on setting your place up if new endeavor ..open to all ideas.
I have vision /dream of a not for profit co operative farm with 2-3 "core" live in farmers , most importantly this would be a Farm as Healing & Retreat& an interfaith Spiritual center .A community for those that have lost contact with natural world and its centering/healing properties! Co operative farming in a supportive enironmen t a true working community. A central "mother house " for retreatants to stay in , host community meals, live in farmers each with tiny eco dwelling. Each farmer has their own specialty and passion , but all help with projects and chores that require a group effort.I believe a farm where folks come to work with the animals & land as a path to reconnecting with mother nature and themselves is needed at this time. Still working on better written description of the vision..
Description of marketing method:
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Farm Characteristics
Preferred location:
Eastern, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Washington, Southeast, Columbia, DutchessDesired acreage:
21-50, 51-100, >100Infrastructure required:
Onsite housing, Barns or other facilities for storage of equipment, livestock, and crops, Water access, FencingDescription of buildings required:
Some shelter for grazing animals , hay storage and equipment Possibility of contructin "tiny" eco houses for resident farmer(s) and one central main house for guests/retreatants and group gatherings
Description of water access required:
Acces to water in pasture ideal
Description of fencing required:
Fencing is not a deal breaker ! Ideally good perimeter fencing , to set up protable paddocks inside for rotational grazing
Crops and Livestock
Primary crops:
Vegetables, Hay, Other CropsPrimary Livestock:
Cattle - Beef, Goats/Sheep, Pigs, PoultryDescription of livestock/crops:
dependant on situation vegetable production for on farm consumation livestock for sale & consumption. Land and owners preferences
Farmland Tenure
Tenure options desired:
Farm Management, For Lease, Partnership, Other Tenure AgreementDescription of tenure options desired:
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Additional Information
Will this farmer's operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?
MaybeExperience & education:
Farm owner, Farm employee, Farm internship/apprenticeshipExperience description:
raising my own flock since 2004 , attended VT Grass Farmers Conference 4 yrs Prior to getting sheep , Sheep & Goat mentoring program in 2004 , attended many many seminars workshops on sheep , goats and rotational grazing, low stress live stock handling , Hersdwoman for fairly large goat dairy. Grew up on mixed arriable farm in Ireland, learned milking and much more there