Brad Peacock

I am looking to purchase a farm/farmland to start a bedding plant business and small scale organic vegetable farm.

Farming experience

11+ years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Farm management experience

Description of farming experience

I have been working at and managing an organic vegetable farm that also has a thriving bedding plant business for over 20 years. I have been in a management role for most of my entire tenure and have helped to run day to day operations, including all aspects of greenhouse and field work, from prepping land, to planting, cultivating and harvesting. I have helped manage the bedding plant business for 20 years as well. I am highly skilled in bedding plant production and management, as well as managing daily farming operations. I also have multiple years of experience cultivating business through a local farmers market.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Sale

Tenure arrangement description

Ideally, I would like to purchase land, though I am open to a lease-to-own arrangement, or something similar. If there is a home involved and seller would like to maintain ownership of the home, I would be happy to purchase the farmland with a first right of refusal if the home was ever sold. I plan on putting whatever farm/farmland that is purchased into conservation with the goal of working with the Vermont Land Trust if possible. I am open to more than the 6-20 acres depending on the farm/land. Ideally the location is in the Southern part of the state in Bennington, or Rutland Counties, but I am open to other possibilities.

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Perennials/Orchard

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Forest/Foraging, Vegetables

Farm enterprises description

I am looking to start a bedding plant business with a primary focus on perennials, and native plants, and a secondary focus on annual and vegetable starts. I also plan to have a small organic market garden with the focus on serving the community's food needs in the area that the farm is located. If possible, there may be a edible fruit component as well. Eventually, a retreat space is planned to help fund the farm, and bring an educational aspect to the mission. I plan on having the farm become a place where beginning farmers, home gardeners, and anyone interested in farming, can come to gain experience and insight on best practices as well learn garden design and care for plants.

Written business plan

In progress

Business planning description

My business plan is being formulated and is dependent on what the land itself will allow.

Farmer housing needed

No

Water source needed

Yes

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

I was born and raised in Shaftsbury, Vermont and have been farming there for over 20 years. It would truly be a dream come true to start and manage my own farm. I have the experience and knowledge to create a viable farm that will work towards giving back to my community. Through farming I have developed a strong sense of stewardship for our natural world. I am dedicated to maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the land I have the honor to farm, and the animals which also call it home. My intention is to create a place where all people can come, feel welcome, and gain knowledge and appreciation for one another, and our relationship to the natural world. Thank you for your consideration.