I am a prospective farmer with a particular interest in sustainable agricultural practices and a fondness for foraging. Currently in school for environmental and sustainability sciences, my goal is to one day run a farm focused on building soil and local ecological health and diversity, while also promoting the growth, conservation, and sustainable consumption of native edibles. An ideal farm for me would include traditional growing space, woodland space, as well as space for small to mid sized livestock.
Preferred location: Genesee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne
Desired Transitional Agreement: Lease to buy, Working arrangement with future partner
Aug 13, 2024
Desired Acreage
- 5-10 Acres
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
When I think of my future farm, I see both beauty and practicality. My ideal would be to work a farm where my produce and other products are then sold nearby in a brick and mortar store, but plan to build up to that with farmer's markets. Additionally, I want to use both the farm and a carefully managed wooded space for educational purposes, holding weekend classes on topics such as gardening, preserving, and sustainable management and use of our wild spaces. I would love to one day be able to source healthy native plants from my wooded space to help repopulate other spaces across the plants' native ranges, in addition to providing a sanctuary for struggling insect species, particularly native bees. I look forward to finding a balance between keeping honeybees and supporting native solitary bee populations.
Livestock I largely want to farm for personal use. I dream of keeping goats and ducks in particular, with the possibility of fiber animals as well. I particularly want to research and focus on rare and endangered breeds once I have a solid concept of animal husbandry, in hopes of helping the recovery of specialized breeds that have been passed over in recent history in favor of luxury and mass-production breeds.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Not currently farming
Farm Experience/Education
No experience farming
Mentoring
I am seeking mentorship
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Organic Practices
I am a strong proponent of no-till, small-scale, and diverse agriculture. The best gardens I've grown through the years have been done with no till, high density techniques, and in farming I want to scale that up in the form of market beds. Wherever possible, I want to be producing my own compost to provide the nutrients for the beds, but generally intend to use compost and heavy, untreated mulching to support the health of my beds. Additionally, I want to support our local ecology, both for the purpose of conserving our local ecosystems, and to promote local pest predators as opposed to spraying pesticides.
In regards to bees and livestock, I still have a lot of learning to do. However, much of my professional life up until now has been focused on family pet care, and I'm excited to broaden my scope and learn about livestock rearing in a way that both gives the animals the best quality of life, and supports the land they live on.
