Ali Ahmed

My goal is to acquire a farm in Michigan where I can build a diverse, sustainable agricultural operation that combines livestock, food production, permaculture, and agritourism.

I have been involved in animal processing for approximately 10 years and currently operate a business in this field. I also previously operated a USDA-inspected slaughterhouse, which gave me hands-on experience with livestock, food production, regulatory requirements, sanitation, facility operations, and the business side of agriculture. This experience has given me a strong foundation for transitioning into a broader farming operation.

My vision is to develop a diversified farm with a focus on beef and lamb/goat. I would like to raise livestock while also growing vegetables, fruits, and other crops. I am particularly interested in incorporating permaculture and regenerative techniques, including building healthy soil, utilizing rotational systems, reducing unnecessary inputs, integrating animals with crop production, and designing the farm so that its different components support one another.

Over time, I would also like to develop the property into an agritourism destination where families and members of the community can experience agriculture firsthand. This could eventually include opportunities such as farm visits, educational experiences, seasonal activities, farm-to-table events, and direct sales of products grown or raised on the property.

In addition to my agricultural and animal-processing experience, I have a background in tech and real estate investment. My professional experience is in automation and business analytics. I have consulted for and developed solutions for large companies, specializing in big data, automation, business process optimization, and operational efficiency. I believe my combination of real estate, technology, and business experience will be valuable in developing the farm’s infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and building a financially sustainable agricultural operation for the long term.

Ultimately, I want to create a productive farm that is financially sustainable, environmentally responsible, and connected to the surrounding community. I want it to be a place where my family can be involved, where people can learn more about where their food comes from, and where I can continue building something that can be passed on to the next generation.