Hey y’all, my name is Zack and I currently own and operate Farrah Farms. I grow microgreens, edible flowers and salad greens for chefs and restaurants in the Portland Metro area. I am happiest when farming and tending to the land, and also enjoy cooking for others. I am a tidy and precise individual that likes to keep neat fields and weed-free bed rows. I consider myself to be an extroverted introvert. I enjoy being part of a greater community while maintaining my identity and working primarily alone.
I am looking to expand my business by growing salad greens, seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers. My farm vision includes building two 14’x100’ high tunnels for shoulder season growing and greenhouse vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc). I would prefer to lease land that has some infrastructure (cooler, barn for storage, wash/pack station) but would also be able to build my own if needed. Lease amount can be higher for use of existing infrastructure. Potential opportunity would be some bee hives. If the land situation is a good fit for both sides, I would be open for a long term lease (3-5+ years) and am open to lease-to-own options. You can check out who I am over at https://farrahfarms.com/ or on Instagram at @farrahfarmspdx
Water rights/access (10-15 GPM pump), electricity, land suitable for vegetables, and must be fenced or have the availability to be fenced. If land does not currently have the following/similar infrastructure, I would need to be able to build: wash/pack station, 10x10 (or 12x12) wooden shed for use as a cool-bot cooler/tool shed combo. I would also need land/drive access that is able to accommodate deliveries by trailer for items such as compost/high tunnel/equipment drop offs.
I grew up in Long Island, NY on a ten acre family farm. I spent my childhood (ages 5-17) tending to crops with my grandfather, learning how to steward and care for the land. In 2008-2009, I self-cultivated a one acre plot of my family's land and sold vegetables via a roadside stand, as well as to local restaurants. I lived in NYC from 2009-2018 and attended culinary school and worked in many kitchens, eventually running my own french bistro in Brooklyn for over a year. In 2018 I moved to Portland, OR with my partner Scott and doggo Farrah. In 2020, I started Farrah Farms to get back to my farming roots. I interned for the 2022 growing season with Lil’ Starts farm. I’ve also completed the OSU Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management course and continue to educate myself through higher education, seminars and community events.
2023: establish row beds, start salad green crops, build high tunnels, build infrastructure, set up irrigation, start overwintering crops, plant garlic and other veg for early spring harvest, cover crop
2024: first full growing season, add more restaurant customers, start salad share program (deliver to residential customers), dial in yields/crop structure, vend at least one farmers market
2025-2027: add CSA memberships, add staff (1-2 seasonal employees), possible additional land growth, vend at 2-3 farmers markets.
Purchase 10+ acres from a retiring farmer to build my forever farm/home.
I plan to continue renting in the Portland Metro or Oregon City area. If the right land and housing combo comes along I would consider it. I would need to move into new housing by August 1, 2023.
I approach people and situations with an open and welcoming mind. Diversity is what drives innovation and conversations.
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