New farmer with big dreams…and a plan!

Land Seeker Description

Hello,

My name is Darrin Amico and I’m from Salem, Oregon. As a teenager and young man, I worked in the onion fields and on the strawberry farms. I’d spend summers in Paulbso, Wa helping on a 600 acre horse, cattle and anything else you can think of farm as a farm hand. I’ve always loved the life and though I wanted to have a career in Agriculture, I became a realtor instead after my family talked me out of being a farmer. Well, 25 years later, I’m ready to give it a go.

Currently, I’ve started a garlic farm, Tre Sorelle Garlic Farms, LLC and have a seed crop in Columbia county that is being harvested this next weekend. I’m looking for land with water rights, pump (negotiable)  and established fields preferably having no garlic planted there before. Ideally, the land has been used as a row crop already, but I’m open to improving it for the right terms.  My plan is to plant 2-3 acres this year, harvest, and replant for a small cash crop and continued seed crop until I can continuously plant a min. of 2o acres a go though not opposed to larger parcels in 2-3 years.

What I’m looking for should be minimum of Class II soils, well drained and not in a flood plain. I would like access to an out building for processing so electricity would be critical. Of course, all of this could be improved as part of my improvements depending on the terms. Water rights are a must! The plan is to eventually own, so I’m not opposed to a lease to own scenario.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Darrin Amico

What features of the property are essential?

Class II soils minimum. Good drainage, Water rights for irrigation.

Describe your farming experience

See bio.

Are you currently farming?

What are your short term goals for the land

Raise and grow a garlic seed stock. Currently I have enough seed to plant 1.36 acres. My plan is to harvest that and plant another 5 acres. Once harvested, plant 17-25 acres and continually keep 5-7 acres in seed stock and wholesale the rest.

What are your long term goals

Raise and grow my own garlic varieties as a seed and cash crop. Long term plans are to have 5-15 years of raising garlic as a cash crop.

Describe your housing needs

none

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

I'm always open to teaching what I know and if individuals want to work and learn, then I have no problem welcoming anyone that wants to put boots on and get to work!