Small, Family owned, Minority owned, Women led farm looking to lease 1 acre to start, with room to scale. Regenerative, permaculture, and organic principals of growing are the foundation of our farming practice. With 5 years of agricultural experience, we're looking for a place in our home state to actualize our dreams of healing through food and community.
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: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Sale
Aug 5, 2024
Desired Acreage
- 1-5 Acres
- 5-10 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
In ten years time, we envision a large property (50-100acres) where people come to be closer to nature and build community. A cultural hub where folks can learn where there food comes from and the best regenerative strategies for growing as well as support each other beyond the field. This property will consist of an orchard, fields of veggies, and food forests. Until then, we'd like to acquire the skills and experience to manage all of these parts cohesively, starting with organic vegetable farming.
Goals:
Year 1: gross income of 100k: 75 member CSA on 2/3 acres and 1/3 acre of Garlic. Establishing a rain capture irrigation system and the initial spread of compost will be the largest investments. Any available land beyond 1 acre will be planted with a cover crop mix.
Years 2 and 3: gross income 150-200k: Soil regeneration and improvement will be the main investment and focus. The CSA will likely remain at 75 members as the garlic enterprise increases to 1-2 acres.
Values: Family focused- work load will be sustainable and food grown will be nutritious; Better than you found it- Soil Regeneration and Carbon Sequestering practices will be implemented; Build community- bring people together by creating space and opportunity for connection centered around food
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Full Time, Part Time
Farm Experience/Education
Farm employee, Farm internship/apprenticeship, Farm owner, Farm management
Mentoring
I am seeking mentorship
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Organic Practices
Fertilization Strategy- Hot Compost piles, Compost teas spread weekly, Blood/Bone meal spread in Spring and Fall, no synthetic fertilizers. Agricultural lime and sulfur for pH balancing.
Pest MGMT Strategy-Bokashi bins for weed mgmt, Organic pesticides including BT and Neem oil, Electrified perimeter fencing for deer, Rabbit fencing around vegetables, Weekly Pest inspections
Growing Methods- Transition to USDA Organic methods, Bioagriculture framework, inspiration from permaculture and regenerative farming.
Start from Seed (transplants for some crops like tomatoes and failed seeds) in nursery space (high tunnel/shed) and/or direct sow. Heavy mulch with straw and leaves. Cut and come again salad mixes, succession planting, and cover cropping.
