Lucas Saunders

I am currently looking for summer pastureland for 4-6 horses and potentially goats.

Farming experience

Less than 3 years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Worked on a farm

Description of farming experience

Although my farming experience has been brief my partner has lived and worked on a farm her whole life. Raising chickens, cows, pigs and horses. We are trying to branch out on our own. I have business management experience and work full time in construction management.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Contract grazing

Tenure arrangement description

We are constructing a winter paddock on our small property but we are looking for a place to graze our animals in the summer months. Currently we have 5 horses and 5 goats. Our plan is to grow our goat herd to about 20-25 and offer grazing services for income. My partner currently does horse training and lessons part time. We would like to eventually be able to buy a larger piece of property to build a farm infostructure and would be interested in seller financing or a buyout lease agreement.

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Livestock

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Dairy, Hay

Farm enterprises description

We plan to grow our goat grazing business and possibly a small goat dairy operation as well as offer varied horse activities such as riding lessons, horse training, boarding etc.

Written business plan

Yes

Business planning description

Our business plan is a slow and steady approach. We have purchased 5 baby goats that we plan to breed next year when they are ready. Once our heard grows to about 10-15 we plan to offer grazing services through an LLC we are currently setting up. For the horse business this is already in operation, and we plan to maintain and possible expand the services depending on our land/ farm situation. I am currently self-funding this from my W2 job as it is important to me not to assume debt to get this business off the ground. I own 3.5 acres that I plan to use to house the horses in the winter and the goats as needed between grazing contracts.

Farmer housing needed

No

Water source needed

Yes

Farm infrastructure needed

Barn/farm buildings
Fencing

Description of infrastructure needed

A barn or run in shed would be ideal but we can provide this with the right agreement. We can also construct fencing. Water is not a must but would be a good perk so we don't have to haul it in.

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

We are a young couple just getting started in our farming journey. Although I own a small piece of property, we would like to build relationships with local landowners that is mutually beneficial. We were both born and raised in Vermont and we don't plan to go anywhere.