Seeking Land Lease for small-scale Dairy and Supper Club


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Land Seeker Description

I grew up farming in rural Michigan where we raised Suffolk lamb and pastured fields for hay production. I have been on a path of acquiring knowledge for about 20 years with the same goal in mind: hosting a farm-to-table “Supper Club” where I raise and grow everything that is served. My culinary career lead me to master the art of butchery, and I possess a special affinity for dry-curing and sausage making. I returned to farming mid-career as a farm hand on an alpaca farm in Portland, OR. This time granted me a working knowledge of pasture management and the animal husbandry of camelids from breeding through gestation to birth and ultimately, death. My love and passion for dairy animals and cheese-making grew exponentially during my time interning in Umbria, Italy. I aim to focus my homestead practices around one dairy cow, her offspring, a few dairy goats, a small herd of sheep, a flock of chickens and a large no-till garden with one or two large plots of “cash crops.” Ultimately I will be hosting “Supper Club” dinners weekly from late spring through early fall, with a focus on hand-milked dairy cheese and desserts as well as dry cured meats, preserves and fermented foods. Most recently I have been working as Sous Chef at Rainshadow Organics in Central Oregon, where I have focused my skill set on cheese-making, fermentation and preservation.  My partner and I are now at a point where we are seeking land to being this farming project, ideally in the PNW.


What features of the property are essential?

Commercial kitchen, cooler space, affinage location for cheese
Minimum 5 acres for dairy rotation


Describe your farming experience

Multi-faceted farming experience including ruminants, camelids, pasture management and vegetable production


Are you currently farming?

No

What are your short term goals for the land

Bi-weekly Supper Club, May-Sept
Weekly production and sale of cheese, bread and pastries
Culinary mushroom production (partner's business)


What are your long term goals

Teaching young farmers dairy management
Geodesic greenhouse for spice and exotic fruit production


Describe your housing needs

Currently own an off-grid 21' camper that ideally would be moved onto the land


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

As a non-binary identifying person, I believe in the acceptance of peoples from all walks of life. It is our diversity that makes us stronger. It is community that makes us stronger yet.

Additional Land Seeker Details

Regions interested in farming:
Coastal, 5, South Willamette Valley, North Willamette Valley, Portland Area, Neighboring States

Acreage desired:
11 - 20 acres, 21+ acres

Seeking land access by:
March 1, 2023

Interested in raising the following crops / livestock:
Bees, Berries, Dairy, Fiber Animals, Goats, Herbs, Mushrooms, Orchard/Fruit, Vegetables

Interested in these business arrangements:
Sale of Land, Lease-to-own, Lease with option to purchase, Lease for cash, Lease for trade

Interested in these growing practices:
Certified Organic, Organic, Not Certified, Biodynamic

Date when this profile was last modified or created:
October 15, 2022



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