Age: 33; I grew up on my grandparents’ farm in the Thumb of Michigan. We milked 115 cows and farmed 1200 acres of a rotation of hay, corn, soybeans, black beans, wheat, and oats. The cows were sold back in 2003 due to wanting to grow sugar beets - we couldn’t do both. I have experience raising calves, heifers, dry cows, and steers. I left the farm to go to college and have been working as a manufacturing engineer for a local investment casting foundry for about 9 years. I still help my parents on their farm on a part-time basis when needed. I recently got married to my wife Rachel 2 months ago.
Preferred location: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kalkaska, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Oakland, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford
Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease to buy
Sep 1, 2024
Desired Acreage
- 101-250 Acres
- 251-500 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
My farming goals are to one day own and operate a financially sustainable dairy farm. I would either balance it with crop farming or establish a farm-based creamery to sell dairy products directly to customers. I would prefer to either be organic or grass-based, which ever one makes the most economic sense. My desired herd size would be less than 200 head of cattle (about 50-60 fresh cows, but I am willing to adjust this number). My preferred method of housing would be tie stall since I want to be around the cows individually and take care of their needs in the barn immediately. This desire is not set in stone, as I might be open to a smaller parlor setup.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Part Time
Farm Experience/Education
Farm employee, Farm management
Mentoring
I am seeking mentorship
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Certified Organic, Organic Practices
