Please describe your past and/or present farming experience
I am currently working as the Farm Manager at Highwater Farm on the western slope of Colorado. We grow diversified vegetables on 3-acres for a 120+ member CSA and food access wholesale accounts. We also rotationally graze a flock of 50 laying hens and run a job-training program for youth.
I apprenticed for two seasons at Caretaker Farm in western Massachusetts (2020-2022) were I was trained in organic vegetable production and assisted with everyday operations of a 6.5 acre organic farm and 275+ member CSA. My second season focused specifically on greenhouse management, including seedling
care and propagation, watering and organizing of flats, and cold-frame monitoring.
Are you currently farming?
Yes
Are you interested in connecting with other farmers to explore collocation or collaborative farm ideas?
Yes
Counties being considered
Addison
Bennington
Caledonia
Chittenden
Essex
Franklin
Lamoille
Orange
Orleans
Rutland
Washington
Windham
Windsor
What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?
Vegetables
What other enterprises are you considering?
Berries
Greenhouse
Herbs
Poultry
Total Acres Desired
10.0
Organic
Yes
Farm Structures Needed
Greenhouses
Other Housing
Farmhouse Needed
Yes
Which of the following arrangements are you considering?
Farm Manager
Lease with Option to Buy
Long-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.
Interested in growing diversified vegetables for CSA, market or local wholesale accounts. Experience growing cut-flowers for u-pick operations and bouquets. My agricultural training and current/planned farming practices could be characterized as "beyond organic." I do not use any herbicides/pesticides (even those that are certified organic), and instead rely on practices like crop rotation, cover cropping and tillage practices that build soil health.
-Completed New Entry's Farm Business Planning Course in the winter of 2021 and developed a full business plan for a vegetable operation
-designed and implemented a crop plan for diversified vegetable operation, including farm related budget items such as supplies, seeds + labor