Rebecca Gourlay

I am currently managing a diversified vegetable operation in Colorado, and am looking for land for my own operation.

Farming experience

3-5 years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Farm management experience

Description of farming experience

I am currently working as the Farm Manager at Highwater Farm on the western slope of Colorado. We grow diversified vegetables on 3-acres for a 120+ member CSA and food access wholesale accounts. We also rotationally graze a flock of 50 laying hens and run a job-training program for youth.

I apprenticed for two seasons at Caretaker Farm in western Massachusetts (2020-2022) were I was trained in organic vegetable production and assisted with everyday operations of a 6.5 acre organic farm and 275+ member CSA. My second season focused specifically on greenhouse management, including seedling care and propagation, watering and organizing of flats, and cold-frame monitoring.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Farm transfer

Tenure arrangement description

I am open to several different types of arrangements, including a long-term lease, a farm sale or farm transfer transfer. I am open to any arrangement that is long term, and has farmer housing available.

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Vegetables

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Cut flowers, Livestock

Farm enterprises description

My background is in diversified vegetable production with livestock (chickens) integrated into the system for ecological / economic benefits. All of the operations I have worked at / managed have utilized the CSA model.

Written business plan

Yes

Business planning description

I completed New Entry's Farm Business Planning Course in the winter of 2021 and developed a full business plan for a CSA vegetable operation.

Farmer housing needed

Yes

Water source needed

Yes

Farm infrastructure needed

Barn/farm buildings
Greenhouses/high tunnels
Fencing

Description of infrastructure needed

Season extension infrastructure such as high tunnels or caterpillar tunnels would be ideal; however, I have experience building these structures
Heated greenhouse for propagation
Cooler with Coolbot system for produce storage
Root cellar or fall/winter storage would be ideal
Irrigation equipment (experience with overhead sprinklers and drip infrastructure build out and maintenance)

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

I am a beginning farmer excited about the possibility of owing and operating my own farm. I have been farming full-time for 5 seasons, apprenticing for two in western Massachusetts and then managing a CSA farm in Colorado. I am ready to take the next step and run my own operation. Currently in the process of looking for land.