Rebecca Alva

I want to establish a farm that combines mental health, sustainability, and rural charm to provide meaningful, income-generating experiences in a region with demand but few integrated offerings. I believe in sustainable farming and using the land to heal mental health. I’m motivated to create a future for my family that is climate change aware.

Preferred location: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford

Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Working arrangement with future partner

May 6, 2025

Desired Acreage

  • 5-10 Acres
  • 11-25 Acres
  • 26-100 Acres
  • 101-250 Acres

Desired Land Usage

  • Aquaculture
  • Bees
  • Christmas Trees
  • Flowers
  • Fruit
  • Fruit Trees
  • Goats - Dairy
  • Grains
  • Hay
  • Hemp
  • Horses
  • Nursery Stock
  • Organic crops
  • Sheep
  • Timber/Forest Land
  • Vegetables

Goals, Values, Vision

Vision:

To cultivate a healing farm space where people reconnect with nature, animals, and each other through simple, joyful, and meaningful experiences.

Values:

  • Wellness: Support emotional, physical, and mental health through nature-based activities.
  • Sustainability: Use eco-friendly practices that care for the land and animals.
  • Community: Create inclusive, welcoming spaces for families, couples, and local residents.
  • Creativity: Offer fresh, engaging experiences—from goat yoga to rustic weddings.

Goals:

  • Launch a farm-based business offering animal encounters, eco-therapy, and pop-up weddings.
  • Generate enough profit in 1–2 years to reinvest in land and infrastructure.
  • Build long-term income that supports my family and allows me to reduce hands-on labor.
  • Serve as a local wellness destination in Southwest Michigan.

Farming Status

Current Farming Status

Not currently farming, Current active business plan

Farm Experience/Education

No experience farming

Mentoring

I am seeking mentorship

Farming Plans and Practices

Farming Method

Certified Organic, Organic Practices, Conventional