Hi! I am an army veteran who is currently in the Agricultural Science program at Oregon State University. I am looking to purchase a farm somewhere in Oregon, preferably partially forested. I am particularly interested in regenerative agriculture, specifically multi-species rotational grazing, along with diverse food crop production. I am not interested in industrial agriculture, i.e. corn, soybean, alfalfa, feedlots, or grass seed production. My actual plans are adaptable based on the land and water situation on the farm that we end up with.
Water rights, electricity, some woodland preferred, some fenced pasture, at least one livestock barn, preferably a workshop or pole barn as well. A pond and/or waterway would be great, but not essential.
I grew up in rural NE Ohio and worked odd jobs on my friends' family farms from grade 6 to grade 12.
In 2014, I took a year off from my corporate job to work on my friend's regenerative ag farm. He used a rotational grazing system in his pastures with cows, sheep, and chickens. He also ran pigs in his woods, and finished them in his hazelnut grove. My duties included feeding animals, moving them to different pastures, general construction and maintenance, and round hay bale operations.
I am currently in the Agricultural Science program at Oregon State University with a minor in Horticulture, which I should complete between spring 2026 and winter 2027.
My main early emphasis would be to build soil quality and structure through a combination of multi-species rotational grazing and pasture regeneration through vigorous and deep-rooted cover crops. Initial meat sales would include some combination of cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens (dependent on property size and setup). At the very least, I will be raising meat chickens using a tractor system.
I also plan on growing annual food crops in either high tunnels, hoop houses, or open rows; type and quantity depending on the existing infrastructure, water rights, irrigation and soil on the property. I will also establish perennial crops, including fruit trees and berries in appropriate areas.
I will also focus on invasive species removal and planting native species to replace them, especially in the woods/tree stands or near waterways. I would use the first 5 years on the new property to build towards a silvopasture/agroforestry system, and to encourage the growth of keystone species and timber.
I will continue to emphasize soil health and move towards zero net inputs from external and synthetic sources. I hope to be able to support veterans in need with the food that I grow. I will continue to grow all aspects of both my animal and vegetable production in a way that doesn't overextend me financially, physically, or temporally. I will continue to increase the water retention capacity of the farm by building swales, stewarding and improving riparian areas, and improving the organic matter content of the soil through mulching and composting. My overall vision is of a resilient farm that can withstand shifting economic pressures, water availability, and climate uncertainty, while also contributing to a healthy and vibrant community.
It is just my wife and I, so our housing needs are pretty flexible. Preferably 2 bedroom.
Yes, we are willing and able to work with farmers from different backgrounds. As a former army officer and West Point graduate, I learned early on in life how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I also place a high value on building connections and relationships in my community.
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