Seeking Farmer/Caretaker opportunity in Lane County with Housing


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Land Seeker Description

Hi There!  I am a flower famer and plant seller located in Springfield, Oregon.  I have been operating on just under an acre for 4 years in the UGB and am ready to grow my dreams in a place that has water rights available.  I work closely with the wonderful people at the OSU extension in Linn County and have resources available via being a female veteran of the US Coast Guard.  I want to grow my flower business and get into teaching classes and hosting educational events.  I’m very interested in growing food too.  I am interested in raising dairy goats and making cheese as well.

I am employed part-time at a local wholesale plant nursery that specializes in rhododendrons and azaleas and have worked there for 3.5 years.  I sell my plants out of a big white flower cart on wheels in my driveway.  It has become a fixture in our neighborhood and I make a lot of money selling plants.  I am interested in growing more of my own and I buy in from other nurseries as well.

I am married and our adult son lives with us and helps pay the bills.  My husband and son are both employed full time. We have 4 cats, a dog and 2 hens.  We have lived in our same home for 17 years and the property has changed hands and the new owner intends to build a new house here.  We are being asked to leave by no fault of our own.  We have never missed a rent payment or been late making it and we come with a lot of landscaping as well all the tools to take care of a place.  Our long time landlords have offered to give us excellent references as well.

We need 2 bedrooms and a garage or barn for our tools and outdoor equipment.  Room for a chicken coop and a greenhouse would be really lovely too. We can offer rent over $1500 as well as caretaking.

Highly prefer a dairy or sanctuary situation if other famers have animals on the property.

Thanks for taking a look!

 

 


What features of the property are essential?

Water rights, a private residence without stairs, irrigation or the ability to install it, morning sun with dappled afternoon shade and room for a greenhouse.


Describe your farming experience

I grew up on an alfalfa farm in California where we also raised animals for meat and eggs. I worked at a vegetable farm in high school and have always grown and maintained plants in my personal life. I started a flower farm in 2020 on a small plot in our backyard and utilized flowers from my extensive perennial collection to mix with the annuals to create beautiful bouquets. I have evolved to selling plants more than flower farming over the past two years as I learned that I couldn't legally operate without water rights.


Are you currently farming?

No

What are your short term goals for the land

I have a business plan based on another farm and can edit it to match yours. I intend to grow my flower farm by attending markets, selling directly to florists, and having classes on all things floral. I also plan to continue to grow and sell my plants as well and can get funding through the VA to achieve my dreams. I would like to hire a full time employee by year 3 and will utilize the vocational rehabilitation program for veterans to hire great employees and receive tax incentives and other benefits for hiring veterans.


What are your long term goals

I would like to cultivate a beautiful landscape that benefits the entire ecosystem and we can utilize for floral presentations and and education.


Describe your housing needs

We need 2 bedrooms and a garage or barn space for our outdoor equipment. We have 4 cats, a bloodhound and 2 hens. They are all seniors and are the most important aspect of finding a new home. We need a place they can live out their golden years. They are all very lazy and clean. We prefer a home without stairs if possible.


What will you do as a farmer to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your farm and in your community?

I am excited to work with everyone from any background and welcome all into my hopes and dreams. I will always advocate for better working environments and treat others with respect and kindness.

Additional Land Seeker Details

Regions interested in farming:
Coastal, 5, South Willamette Valley, North Willamette Valley

Acreage desired:
Less than 1 acre, 1 - 5 acres

Seeking land access by:
January 31, 2025

Interested in raising the following crops / livestock:
Berries, Dairy, Fiber Animals, Flowers, Goats, Herbs, Nursery Stock, Nuts, Orchard/Fruit, Vegetables

Interested in these business arrangements:
Lease-to-own, Lease with option to purchase, Lease for cash, Other

Interested in these growing practices:
Organic, Not Certified, Biodynamic, Dry Farming, Conventional

Date when this profile was last modified or created:
October 25, 2024



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