Farming Experience
Farming experience
3-5 years of experience
Type of farming experience
- Gardening
- Homesteading
- Worked on a farm
- Something else/additional (describe below)
Description of farming experience
Jon is an environmental biologist with a minor in geology. He has experience with aquaculture and raising animals.
Andy has worked and lived on a farm, he has also worked in food service management. Both of us have been gardening for several years and share a productive edible garden in Bedford MA.
Andy has worked and lived on a farm, he has also worked in food service management. Both of us have been gardening for several years and share a productive edible garden in Bedford MA.
Farming Plans
State(s) of interest
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Location details
prefer vermont or new hampshire, western ma would also work nicely
Minimum acreage desired
5
Maximum acreage desired
50
Arrangements desired
- Purchase or own
- Lease-to-own
Arrangement description
We are seeking to buy land or lease-to-own land for farming. we want to raise animals and grow plants. a natural source of running water is ideal, and well water would be even better. A small house or trailer would be preferred as we plan to live on the farm year round.
Planned farming practices
- Certified organic
- Not certified, but follow organic practices
- Sustainable/regenerative
Farming practices description
currently we grow organic vegetables in three sisters gardens. we plant various types of summer and winter squash, beans and glass gem corn. we also grow berries, tomatoes, okra, sunflowers, kale, potatoes, cucumbers, oats, rye, etc... we do very well with a small garden and we would like to expand. ideally to grow as much variety as possible and create a surplus which is to be sold locally. our inspiration comes from organic farming practices, permaculture, hugelkulture, food forests etc...
Planned farming enterprises
- Agroforestry
- Cut flowers
- Hay
- Livestock
- Perennials
- Vegetables
- Fruit trees, Various plants
Farming enterprises description
Ultimately, our plan would depend on the lay of the land wherever we end up. Jon is an accomplished biologist, with experience growing everything from garden plants to aquaculture, hydroponics, blatticulture, BSF composting, mycoculture, and experience wrangling birds and small animals. Ultimately what we do will be dependent on optimizing the flow of nutrients throughout the farm. Andy has largely been in charge of the planning of the garden we share in Bedford, planting strategically and making the most out of the space available. in the past andy has worked on traditional farms on cape cod and cannabis farms in maine. we have a grow tent set up for indoor growing and would like to continue growing plants indoors during the winter months if the space allows for it.
Infrastructure needed
- Housing
- Water access on property, either by well or body of water
Description of infrastructure needed
Basic housing for two people and two cats. we would need enough space indoors for fish tanks and terrariums. there would need to be heat and electricity.
Business planning description
our current plan is to move in in the winter, get everything set for the growing season. Plant throughout the spring, Harvest and sell our crops in the fall, while maintaining the space and caring for our plants year round. We plan to set up a farm stand or sell our produce at local markets.
Additional Information
Andy receives SSI. Jon is receiving unemployment for the moment, though his severance package was reasonably substantial.We have 10-15k for a downpayment. Between the two of us, we have just enough pieces in play to get started on a modest farm, and we have the skills to make it thrive. We are tired of dealing with city folk and angry landlords, the mood of the city. We want to be where we can see the stars and be one with this earth.