My long-term vision is to develop a thriving permaculture homestead featuring a learning center and campground. Plans include growing a variety of produce, raising fowl and goats, and supporting the farm through a farm stand and CSA boxes with add-on options.
Preferred location: Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Wexford
Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Sale, Working arrangement with future partner
Sep 16, 2025
Desired Acreage
- 11-25 Acres
- 26-100 Acres
- 101-250 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
My Future Farming Plans and Expectations
My long-term goal is to establish an abundant permaculture homestead that includes a learning center and a campground. I envision cultivating a diverse range of produce and raising various types of fowl and goats. To support the farm, I plan to operate a farm stand and offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes with optional add-ons such as eggs and other animal products or byproducts. For maximum accessibility and customer reach, I prefer the property to be located on a main road, which will also enable year-round operations.
The campground will feature between 10 and 20 sites, offering a mix of tent spaces and cabins. I aim to provide a variety of programs focused on nature, permaculture, and homesteading skills for visitors. Campground guests will be served breakfast, with additional options for lunch and dinner available for purchase. The retreat and learning center will host events, classes, and retreats to further community engagement and education.
My Vision for My Farm
My homestead will be a welcoming destination for individuals interested in permaculture and homesteading. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn practical skills that can enhance their daily lives. I intend to collaborate with schools, community groups, and libraries to teach gardening and basic cooking. Extended classes at the homestead will cover topics such as food preservation.
Within the retreat and learning center, I plan to invite local holistic and homeopathic specialists, artists, crafters, and chefs to teach classes and sell their products in the farm store. The farm store will feature farm-grown produce, eggs, baked goods, sauces, jams, spice mixes, soaps, candles, and items from local artists and crafters on consignment. I aspire to partner with a beekeeper, offering space for hives in exchange for a share of local honey, which will also be available in the store. Twice a year, I will organize festivals that celebrate homesteading skills and showcase local businesses.
Skills That Will Help Me Succeed
- Basic framing and construction abilities
- Experience operating a backhoe and tractor
- Proficiency in chainsaw use and wood splitting
- General maintenance of equipment and buildings
- Permaculture education and training
- Extensive gardening experience across several states
- Basic hunting, trapping, and fishing skills
- Intermediate food preservation skills
- Extensive customer service, business management, and hospitality management experience
- Training in hotel and resort housekeeping and front desk operations
- Comprehensive management training for food service and retail environments
- Basic land management training
- Marketing and event planning expertise
- Knowledge in water conservation and collection
- Ability to recognize when professional assistance is needed and the willingness to seek help as necessary
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Not currently farming
Farm Experience/Education
Farm employee, Farm internship/apprenticeship, Farm management
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Organic Practices
Permaculture refers to a set of agricultural and social design principles that aim to mimic natural ecosystems in order to create sustainable and self-sufficient environments. These practices focus on working with nature through techniques such as companion planting, soil regeneration, water management, and integrating animals into crop systems. By emphasizing resource conservation and holistic planning, permaculture helps foster resilient food production and land stewardship while reducing environmental impact.
An essential aspect of permaculture is community involvement: sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to collectively design and care for productive landscapes. Permaculture encourages collaboration, local food networks, cooperative projects, and mutual support among community members, helping to build strong, adaptable, and interconnected communities that thrive alongside healthy ecosystems.
