Flower Gap Farm

Farming Experience

Farming experience

3-5 years of experience

Type of farming experience

Gardening
Worked on a farm
Agricultural degree
Farm management experience
Farm business ownership

Description of farming experience

I have been raising goats for 10 years and producing and selling products for the last 2 years. I also have a degree in agriculture and significant management experience. I currently am a caretaker on a large estate and oversee the property management.

Links to farm business website, social media, etc.

https://www.instagram.com/flowergapfarm/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Farming Plans

State(s) of interest

Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont

Minimum acreage desired

20

Maximum acreage desired

100

Arrangements desired

Purchase or own
Lease
Lease-to-own

Arrangement description

I am ideally looking to purchase a farm, as the infrastructure costs are significant for dairy. But I am open to leasing or lease to own under the right circumstances.

Farming practices description

Flower Gap farm is committed to contributing a net gain to the soils through rotational grazing practices and spreading of composted farm waste products. Additionally, I am committed to minimizing use of plastics and plan to package all of the products in repurposable and recyclable glass containers.

Farming enterprises description

Flower gap farm currently produces raw goats' milk on a small scale. I am looking to increase in scale and become grade A certified, focusing on yogurt production. I raise Nigerian Dwarf goats, which produce a lower quantity of milk, but a milk that is 6-10% butterfat, rich and delicious. The yogurt produced from the milk is thick, silky, sweet without the "goaty" flavor. I plan to market the product at farmers markets and also in local groceries and coops.

Description of infrastructure needed

I am looking for a minimum of a 3000sq ft barn space with potable water and power. A minimum of 20 acres of grazeable land, preferably with some fencing. I also need to live on the same land as my farm, so some sort of housing or option for housing would be required.

Business planning description

I have a completed business plan with financials available upon request. I have worked with the Intervale Center to develop this plan.

Additional Information

Flower Gap Farm and Creamery is a woman owned and operated farmstead goat dairy operation owned by Margaret Aiken that specializes in boutique yogurt production. There are currently no goat dairy products on the local market that compare to the delicate taste and texture of the yogurt produced at Flower Gap Creamery. By word of mouth alone, Flower Gap Farm has established a loyal customer base. One customer recently wrote to Margaret that the yogurt “Is the most delicious, smooth addictive food for my soul and body.” It is a product that catches the customer’s eye and taste buds and leaves them craving more.

Margaret has identified the 4 core pillars of Flower Gap Farm and Creamery as:

● Contribution to the local food economy. Produce a delicious, wholesome, clean source of healthy protein that is more easily digested than traditional cow dairy products.

● Environmental sustainability - Minimize use of plastic and support sustainable packaging options. The product will be offered in repurposable/recyclable multi-serving packaging.

● Commitment to animal welfare. Herd health and happiness is of the utmost importance. The best milk comes from happy and unstressed goats.

● Dedication to regenerative agricultural practices. Farming practices that generate a net gain to the soil to nurture it to remain healthy and productive for generations to come.