Farmer Profile for Alex Horne

Please describe your past and/or present farming experience

SEEKING LIVESTOCK TO MANAGE. I grew up in the southeast on a horse farm. I spent many years working for Providence Farm (Anderson, SC) raising chickens for eggs, pork, and beef. I moved out west and started cattle ranching/cowboying in 2018 but am in Vermont as of spring, 2024. I build a great fence, have lots of logging experience, and believe in keeping a farm clean and beautiful. In short, I have lots of experience but am always seeking more information and insight. My passion is MiG (management intensive grazing), with cattle. Horses are top on the list as well. However, I am open to any type of livestock option. My main goal is to find idle pastureland and to refurbish it through intensive grazing practices. I envision raggedy old pastureland turned back into a beautiful, diverse, and healthy land. Bees, wildlife, and carbon are all added to the land, while it's being used to feed the community. A win-win-win.

Are you currently farming?

No

Are you interested in connecting with other farmers to explore collocation or collaborative farm ideas?

Yes

Counties being considered

Addison
Caledonia
Chittenden
Lamoille
Orange
Orleans
Washington

What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?

Livestock

What other enterprises are you considering?

Beef
Hay/Forage
Hogs
Livestock
Pasture
Poultry
Sheep

Total Acres Desired

60.0

Organic

No

Farm Structures Needed

Barn(s)

Farmhouse Needed

No

Equipment Needed

No required, but would be nice.

Which of the following arrangements are you considering?

Apprentice with a Farm Owner for a Year or More
Farm Manager
Long-Term Lease
Partnership
Short-Term Lease
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.

SEEKING LIVESTOCK TO MANAGE. Working on real numbers, but here's an overview: I'm a student of Greg Judy and MiG (management intensive grazing). My vision is a big one that will take years to build. Year one: Take over management of a flock/herd of sheep or beef. Find pastureland to lease and graze--preferably some pasture that needs some TLC. Make a little bit of money while building infrastructure for years to come ... breaking even on year one would be amazing. Year two: Buy some of my own stock to add into the herd, graze more land, sell calves/lambs at some profit. Year three: Have infrastructure/relationships built to hit the ground running in Spring with new calves and lambs. Graze intensively all summer, harvest in the fall. Add more land/stock. The details of the arrangement may vary widely. I'm looking to get my feet wet and to start building and planning something special. I really believe in this grazing technique. I have seen amazing things from all over the country come out of its implementation. Raggedy old pastureland turned back into a beautiful, diverse, healthy land. Bees, wildlife, and carbon are all added to the land, while it's being used to feed the community. Orleans county is preferable. Please get in touch and let's see what we can work out.