Aspiring Michigan sheep farmer working toward eventually owning and operating a pasture-based sheep farm. I’m currently building savings, knowledge, and hands-on experience, with particular interest in sheep husbandry, rotational grazing, forage and hay production, farm infrastructure, and livestock business management. I’m looking for mentorship and opportunities to learn from experienced farmers while contributing meaningful work.
Preferred location: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford
Desired Transitional Agreement: Lease to buy, Sale, Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner
Oct 5, 2026
Desired Acreage
- 101-250 Acres
- 251-500 Acres
- 501-1000 Acres
- >1000 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
My long-term goal is to build and eventually operate a pasture-based sheep farm in Michigan as my full-time livelihood. I am especially interested in raising a productive meat flock, using rotational grazing, producing at least part of my own forage and hay, and developing a direct-to-consumer market for lamb. Over time, I would also like to explore wool products such as yarn. Right now, I am at the beginning of that process. I am looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience before taking on land or livestock of my own. I want to learn the practical skills that make a farm successful, including sheep husbandry, lambing, nutrition, parasite management, pasture and forage management, fencing, water systems, tractor and equipment use, hay production, and farm business management.
I value animal care, responsible land stewardship, financial sustainability, and building a farm gradually rather than expanding faster than I can manage well. My goal is not simply to own a large number of sheep, but to build a well-run operation that can support me long term and provide a good quality of life.
I am especially interested in mentorship from experienced livestock and sheep producers and would be glad to contribute labor, learn by doing, and ask questions. I am open to learning from different types of farms and production systems as I work toward developing my own approach.
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
Conventional
My long-term goal is to use a pasture-based system focused on rotational grazing, good forage management, responsible animal care, and efficient use of land and feed. I am interested in sustainable and regenerative practices where they make practical and economic sense, but I am not currently planning to pursue certified organic production at this time, but that could change.
