Matt Dami and Jessamine Kelley

We’re a couple currently farming on leased land. We want to put down roots in this community we love.

Farming experience

11+ years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Farm business ownership

Description of farming experience

Matt has been farming for 12 years. He started on a diversified goat diary in the Adirondacks, went on to farm in New Zealand, Australia, and SE Asia before coming back to the US to put down roots in Vermont. He ran a permaculture education business in New Zealand for 5 years. In Vermont he has been farming on leased land for the last 4 years and has recently started a remote grazing grass-fed beef business.

Jessamine grew up on a homestead in central Massachusetts. She went on to pursue careers in acting and modeling in New York and L.A.. Since moving to Vermont to be closer to her family in Randolph, she has become more and more involved in agriculture.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Sale

Tenure arrangement description

We are looking for the right land to set up a collaborative farming enterprise. We are therefore open to both an outright sale and collaboration opportunities. The ideal situation will ensure the land stays forever farmland, allows us to raise a family in a supportive community and provides sufficient opportunity for creative endeavors of all kinds.

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Agroforestry

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Livestock, Perennials/Orchard

Farm enterprises description

The primary farm enterprise will be an agroforestry system incorporating beef cows and sheep into a dynamic, perennial landscape. Utilizing syntropic/multistrata practices and the careful integration of livestock we will grow both abundant, healthy food and vibrant topsoil. Matt has an existing small beef herd and a nursery full of perennials which will allow for systems to be built rapidly. We hope for others to be involved in our agricultural endeavors and have friends with experience and passion for fiber (wool and linen) as well as medicinal herbs and dye plants.

Written business plan

In progress

Farmer housing needed

Yes

Water source needed

Yes

Farm infrastructure needed

Barn/farm buildings

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

Our agricultural life is rooted in the ethics of earth care, people care and fair share. We are committed to regenerative, restorative practices that not only produce healthy, abundant food but that also help lift up and support our community. We farm with the next seven generations in mind and both our daily activities and our long term goals are guided by that perspective. We firmly believe that farming organically and regeneratively should not only feed us humans well but should create a dynamic farm ecosystem where all forms of life thrive.