Dick Powell

My Vision & Future Farming Plans

I am a retiring Navy Chief with 22 years of service, looking to buy 90+ acres in Michigan. My goal is to build a commercial organic farm and a permanent home for my wife and four kids. The farm will focus on scaling up to 20 acres of organic hardneck garlic and running roving chicken coops for wholesale egg sales. The chickens will move across the land to naturally fertilize and prepare the soil for our garlic rotations. Separately, I am setting aside 9 acres for a permanent solar farm to keep our energy income independent from the agricultural business.

Operational Strategy & Execution

I have zero prior farming experience, so my strategy relies on high mechanization instead of grueling hand labor. I will operate a 90hp utility tractor with automated planting and harvesting attachments to keep the field work efficient. We are also building a commercial processing barn. Instead of just selling raw garlic, we will process 30% of it and ferment 40% into black garlic on-site to maximize our returns. To handle harvest surges, I plan to hire seasonal workers, pay them well above market rate, and offer medical reimbursements to keep a great crew returning every year.

Core Values & Technical Skills

My 22 years in the Navy—including extensive engineering and administrative oversight aboard two aircraft carriers—has given me a strong foundation for managing large-scale infrastructure. I have direct experience managing budgets of approximately $4.5 million and hold a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety. I am highly skilled at solving complex mechanical and operational problems under pressure, managing tight schedules on Blue/Gold ship rotations, and maintaining strict safety compliance. I am treating this farm as a serious, highly organized commercial business that will build a lasting legacy for my family.

Land & Structural Requirements

Size: 90+ acres of flat to rolling land (open to various Michigan regions, but looking closely at the Thumb, Central, or Southwest Lower Peninsula).

Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or silt loam.

Zoning: Must be zoned Agricultural (AG) and protect livestock under Michigan Right to Farm rules. The local township must allow commercial solar arrays under a Special Land Use permit.

Power: Must have three-phase power lines visible at the road to connect the solar farm to the grid.Building Capability: Able to build a 7-bedroom home and a certified commercial processing barn.

Standing by for any further questioning.