Please describe your past and/or present farming experience
I have four seasons of experience with regenerative, small-scale vegetable growing. No-till, hugelkultur, and IPM practices were implemented. Two of those years I was in charge of the seeding and planting schedule, harvesting, and wholesale account communication. I have five years experience managing sheep, on my own farm and one season working at Knoll Farm in Fayston. In 2020 I had to sell my flock of 20 Icelandic sheep due to a move, but am in search of a new home farm to revive that business. I practice rotational grazing, holistic parasite management, and put animal, soil and climate health at the forefront of all management decisions.
I work full time for the VHCB Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a position I love and intend to keep as I begin farming again. This role provides income stability and strong connections to Vermont's agricultural network.
Are you currently farming?
No
Are you interested in connecting with other farmers to explore collocation or collaborative farm ideas?
No
Counties being considered
Addison
Chittenden
Lamoille
Orange
Orleans
Washington
Windsor
What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?
Sheep
What other enterprises are you considering?
Flowers
Herbs
Poultry
Vegetables
Total Acres Desired
20.0
Tillable Acres
3.0
Acres in Pasture
15.0
Organic
No
Farm Structures Needed
Barn(s)
Farmhouse Needed
Yes
Which of the following arrangements are you considering?
Lease with Option to Buy
Long-Term Lease
Owner-Financed Sale
Standard Sale
Work to Own (Gradual Transfer of Responsibility & Farm Assets)
Are you interested in conserved farms?
Yes
Do you have a business plan? Please write an informative description of your vision & goals for your farming future.
At its fullest expression, I envision a multifaceted agricultural operation focused on fiber. My ultimate goal is to raise a flock of 20 to 40 sheep primarily for wool, but with additional side income streams of breed stock and art. I'm also interested in providing contract grazing services to local landowners, solar fields and ski areas to spread the ecological services (soil health, pasture biodiversity, etc) of the sheep as far as possible.
Alongside the sheep, I will raise a small flock of poultry utilizing rotational practices, and grow a 1 acre vegetable garden using as many no-till, holistic practices as possible. I see potential for income streams from these small enterprises through a roadside farm stand or small wholesale orders to local coops/general stores.
In the very long term, I would love to create a gathering space at the farm for workshops and movement classes. I am an RYT200 certified yoga teacher and see enormous potential for community in being able to teach classes at the farm. I have a full time job working for the VHCB Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a position I love and intend to keep as I begin farming again. This role provides income stability and strong connections to Vermont's agricultural network.