Farming status:

Part time

Description of farming status, plans, and practices:

I am living at an 80 acre farm, which is owned by two seasoned farmers.  They are both in their 80s.  I perform almost all of the animal chores, including tending sheep and goats, milking, raising chickens, turkeys, pigs for meat and eggs, and very basic care of draft horse and donkey.  I also contribute to garden management...planting, watering, harvesting, processing, and have a keen interest in growing flowers.  We are an organic operation. I have also participated in making hay, can use electric net fencing.  My desire is to farm 10-30 acres--primarily for subsistence farming... to feed my family (3 children).  I would like to have a small income as well--hopefully from flowers, honey, and baked goods.  My husband is a beekeeper.  I would also like to incorporate education programming to the business, with children's programming taking place at the farm.  Possibly a farm stay experience as well.

Description of marketing method:

Social media, local papers/radio programs, in-person (flyers, community events, community locations)

Does this farmer have a business plan?

In progress

Preferred location:

Southeast, Columbia, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester

Desired acreage:

6-10, 11-20, 21-50, 51-100

Infrastructure required:

Onsite housing, Barns or other facilities for storage of equipment, livestock, and crops, Water access, Electrical Access

Description of buildings required:

Preferrably a barn with water access. 

Description of water access required:

Indoor plumbing or irrigation pond nearby.

Primary crops:

Vegetables, Ornamentals

Primary Livestock:

Goats/Sheep, Pigs, Poultry

Description of livestock/crops:

Flowers, vegetables, goats, pigs, bees.

Tenure options desired:

For Lease, Partnership, For Sale

Will this farmer's operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?

Maybe

Experience & education:

Formal agricultural education, Farm internship/apprenticeship

Experience description:

I have worked and lived at an educational farm for 1 year.  Prior to that I worked in not-for-profit management at a Wildlife Conservation organization.