Landon & Ruby Sheaffer

We are farmers/outdoor educators looking for a home for our organic flower farm, tree nursery & nature connection school

Farming experience

3-5 years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Agricultural degree or training program

Description of farming experience

Both of us have lived and worked on a variety of organic farms and nurseries across the United States and abroad (incl. Ecuador and New Zealand.) Landon holds a biology degree and studied permaculture design, and Ruby has 12 years experience as a wilderness educator and has been farming (specifically herbs and flowers) as a side career for years. We both have animal husbandry experience (chickens, cows, goats) and have always dreamed of keeping a flock of sheep for milk and fiber. We lead nature-connection programs for young people, and in addition host workshops: sugaring, tree cultivation, wreath making w. flowers. We're seeking land to caretake and continue our work together in the world!

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Lease

Tenure arrangement description

We are newly married, and looking for land to steward as we grow our little farm (organic tree seedling nursery, organic flowers, maple, sheep!) and our small nature connection programs with students. We're open to all kinds of arrangements - we've been actively looking for land to lease or purchase - but in many ways stewarding an existing homestead feels most exciting. We are deeply rooted in community in Vermont and Southern New Hampshire, and the last few years have been growing trees and flowers, working closely with students, sugaring, building wooden boats, leading wilderness expeditions...we just need a longterm home to continue our work!

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Homesteading

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Cut flowers, Homesteading

Farm enterprises description

Fruit and nut tree cultivation, flowers and herbs, and maple have been our primary focus for the last several years. However, we come from a wonderful family of tree experts and basket weavers, and have a diverse set of skills that we're excited to offer to any piece of land we tend. Silvopasture has been a focus of study for us, we've just never had access to enough land to graze our own sheep! In addition to farming, we're artists - weaving elaborate dried flower wreaths with our own flowers, making handmade wooden crafts and weaving baskets...and we're also always inviting students and community members into our work.

Written business plan

In progress

Business planning description

Because our work has been so multi-faceted, we do not have one single business plan. We have been collaborating with Landon's brother Clay, an expert fruit and nut tree grower, in our tree nursery business. Ruby has run a very small business growing organic flowers and selling dried flower wreaths. Our outdoor school has taken many forms, from local day trips with school children to multi-night expedition style paddling trips both in the Northeast and California. Our goal is to find a piece of land that we can tend, and invite local students to come learn about land-based practices and outdoor living skills.

Farmer housing needed

Yes

Water source needed

Yes

Farm infrastructure needed

Barn/farm buildings

Description of infrastructure needed

We have been farming neighboring properties the last several years with limited access to buildings and fencing, and making it work! Ideally we would have all of the above, but high tunnels are not a necessity for us. We have carpentry skills (Landon is a professional cabinet maker) and we would be able to fix and maintain existing structures. We do not need equipment - we have our own evaporator and buckets for sugaring (if possible on the land) and we have not been using a tractor for our farm endeavors either. Ideally some day we'd have a team of draft horses!

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

We love to collaborate. We have lived on various farms and in community for years, and have cultivated the essential skills of clear communication and accountability as a result. In addition to experience, we both have a deep love of land, and curiosity for all living beings. Tending/stewardship is our first priority, productivity always comes after. As farmers, educators and artists we are excited to continue our work as a healing force in this world.