Co-Applicant / Spouse Name
Samantha Hood Stephens
Please describe your past and/or present farming experience
Graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural HS in 1982. Worked in various agricultural enterprises after hs. Then chose a different full time career path as a police officer. However worked part-time in the construction field as a heavy equipment operator. Created a small excavation and landscape company as well as High Pine Organic Gardens in York, Maine, where I grew and marketed vegetables as well as pasture raised turkeys. This was done while still working full time as a police officer. Now about to retire as a police officer and farm full time. Have been apprenticing for John Arbuckle at Singing Pastures Farm in Newcastle, Maine since 2020 when time allows.
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
Bennington
Caledonia
Chittenden
Essex
Franklin
Grand Isle
Lamoille
Orange
Orleans
Rutland
Washington
Windham
Windsor
What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?
Livestock
What other enterprises are you considering?
Beef
Dairy (cows)
Flowers
Grains
Greenhouse
Hay/Forage
Herbs
Hogs
Livestock
Maple Sugaring
Pasture
Poultry
Row Crops
Sheep
Vegetables
Woodlot
Total Acres Desired
150.0
Tillable Acres
25.0
Forested Acres
25.0
Acres in Pasture
100.0
Organic
Yes
Farm Structures Needed
Barn(s)
Greenhouses
Milking Facilities
Other Housing
Shop
Storage
Farmhouse Needed
Doesn't matter
Which of the following arrangements are you considering?
Apprentice with a Farm Owner for a Year or More
Lease with Option to Buy
Long-Term Lease
Owner-Financed Sale
Partnership
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.
Business plan isn't complete yet. Looking to have a 100% grass based dairy and beef cattle and broilers and layer chickens. Utilizing MOB intensive rotational grazing such as modelled by Joel Salatin. Wooded areas for silvopasturing hogs and livestock. Regenerative farming throughout with a market garden area for vegetables and herbs as well as cut flowers. Exploring rotating grains both to market and to produce our own animal feeds. Marketing nutrient dense foods directly to the public through a farm store, online sales, CSA as well as home delivery subscription service. Samantha has extensive knowledge and experience in hospitality, explore having farm stays or farm themed B&B too.