Looking for Land to Farm in Oregon

Land Seeker Description

Hello,

My names in DJ. I am a younger farmer (31 years old) with 12 years of organic and biodynamic farming experience growing 40+ different varieties of crops, mainly vegetables for sale at local markets and for a CSA programs.

I own a soil testing business called Soil Testing Services that you can find at DirtRepair.com as well as a soil supply business call DIYDIRT at DIYDIRT.COM. I am a certified agronomist and living soil specialist. I am very passionate about farming organically, feeding my community and educating others about sustainability.

I’ve managed CSA farm programs with several hundred members and dozens of employees, as well as major Portland farmers markets and more. I’m certainly capable of managing a farm and a crew of farm hands.

My ideal goal would be to find a piece of land that I can eventually take over or buy. This has been a dream of mine for 10+ years!

I am a land steward. I will always improve anything I’m involved in, leaving it better then I found it.

I pay all bills on time and always have. I have excellent credit and lending history. I bought my first home at 21 with ZERO assistance from anyone, one of my greatest achievements.

I am a family man, and intend to be a father someday. I am happily in a long term relationship and plan to get married soon.

I also am a cofounder of Peaceful Valley Village, a collective of young likeminded folk who look to help rebuild community and craft, you can find more at PeacefulValleyVillage.com

Ideally the potential current land owners would be interested in a lease to own option. I would prefer Lane County. The land owner would need to be aligned with my goals which are: Organic farming methods, no spray, non gmo farming, ok with meat animals, ok with gatherings, potlucks, harvest parties (not a party parties but farmers building friendships), be open to allowing some small buildings if needed such as a walk in cooler, commodity barn to park equipment, a processing shed for vegetable processing/cleaning and a place to relax and eat lunch for any potential employees.

I’m happy to meet over a cup of coffee or lunch if anyone is interested. Please give me the opportunity to show you what my potential is, I will NOT waste your time!

Kindest Regards,

DJ Parson

541-920-1277

What features of the property are essential?

Level ground without rocks or stones that can damage tractor implements. Good sun exposure. Good soil of course. Water availability, so water rights or well with rights. Far away from industrial infrastructure or business operations that can cause air, water or soil contamination. Bathroom. Electricity. The standard things needed for a farm and employees..

Describe your farming experience

12 years of mixed vegetable row crop farm for a 300+ member CSA and market farm. Involved in the following: overall planning, propagation, employee management, heavy equipment, planting, seeding, cultivating, tilling, harvesting, processing, IPM, CSA's, markets, irrigation management, livestock breeding and management, high intensity grazing, marketing, sales, regulation, building and more..

Are you currently farming?

What are your short term goals for the land

Assess potential land uses with owners and align on future goals. Find an ideal pathway to meet the long term goals of both parties that the land will allow for, both agriculturally and within zoning allowances.
Build a relationship and mutual understanding with current land owners if needed and understand if it will be a healthy long term relationship before investing too much from either party. Assess water quality and availability, soil quality and fertility, infrastructure, location, etc. The location will help decide which direction to take the farm plan, example: If on a busy road with lots of traffic a u-pick farm or farm stand might be a possibility. If a long distance from city or towns it will likely be best to operate as a CSA or market farm. If the correct infrastructure is in place, a commercial wholesale row crop farm might be best or with ideal equipment large scale commodity farming might be a possibility. It will depend on many factors which direction I will take but with my background I am capable of starting or taking over any kind of farm. Ideally, I would prefer to farm how I always have, row cropped organic mixed vegetables for CSA's, farmers markets and wholesale with the inclusion of pastured meats within crop/pasture rotations.

What are your long term goals

Continue to grow crops, work the land and improve the soil and ability for future generations to use the land for farming!
If possible take over or buy out the owners and build a multigenerational farm for future farmers to take over, if they would like to, but regardless I want to improve upon the farmland to assure its future use as a farm.
In addition to farming I'm also a confounder of Peaceful Valley Village and would love to to provide a place for future gatherings and education for young and up and coming farmers. If possible it would also be a dream of mine to build a place for Peaceful Valley Village to operate if it is a shared interest with land owners (see www.PeacefulValleyVillage.com for more info).

Describe your housing needs

It really depends on where this is at. I own a home and can stay there. Though, I can also relocate and would be interested in housing on-site if needed.

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

I will do everything in my nature to provide a welcoming environment for all people with any background, creed, religion or ethnicity. Farmers are farmers, always have been, no color or religion separates our desire to do what's right and to feed our communities!!! Please see Peaceful Valley Village, which I started, for more on my code of ethics or approach to community.