I plan on cultivating an agroforestry demonstration farm and business where we will showcase various agroforestry practices such as the use of windbreaks, alley cropping, silvopasture systems, and riparian buffers. Essentially, we will be growing fruit, nut and timber trees alongside perennial row crops. I will partner with the University of Michigan, MSU Extension and the MAWG to ensure as much research and outreach as possible takes place on the site. We will also provide peer-to-peer farmer training for the greater community. My vision is for this farm to be a living learning lab.
Preferred location: Genesee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne
Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Sale, Working arrangement with future partner
May 1, 2025
Desired Acreage
- 1-5 Acres
- 5-10 Acres
- 11-25 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Goals, Values, Vision
The vision is for the farm to be a living learning lab. I will also continue my mentor, Ken from Oikos Tree Crops’ legacy of growing regionally adapted plants by cultivating a tree nursery. Thus, we will provide both the technical assistance, research, and resources people need to integrate tree crops into their grow systems.
As a prior organic produce grower, I need to gain skills in pruning, tree propagation, silvopasture farming, and acquire equipment for harvesting and processing fruits and nuts. Essentially, we will be growing fruit, nut and timber trees alongside perennial row crops such as asparagus, strawberry, rhubarb, garlic, and alfalfa, to name a few.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Not currently farming
Farm Experience/Education
Farm employee, Farm internship/apprenticeship, Formal agricultural education
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Certified Organic
Agroforestry methods using trees for windbreaks, riparian buffers, silvopasture, and forest farming with mushrooms.
