Phillip Messing

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

  • Barns or other facilities
  • Electrical Access
  • Farmer Housing
  • Farm Equipment
  • Fencing
  • Irrigation/Water Access
  • Road access

Desired Land Usage

  • Bees
  • Cattle - Dairy
  • Flowers
  • Fruit
  • Fruit Trees
  • Grains
  • Hay
  • Organic crops
  • Vegetables

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