Seeking small acreage in or around Portland for heirloom sheep flock

Land Seeker Description

Hello!

I am a mixed animal veterinarian, particularly passionate about sheep and other small stock. My family and I are relocating to Portland in the very near future and I am looking for small acreage within or very near to the city for a small flock of working Clun Forest sheep. These sheep provide wool, meat and are also a wonderful dairy breed, sporting the highest butterfat content of any domestic sheep breed. They are good land clearers and great mothers. Historically meat, hides and breeding stock have been sold mostly word of mouth to friends and family. However, I am hoping to develop a business with them that involves small scale urban land clearing, meat and wool production and an ambassador program for folks in the city who would not normally have access to sheep.

The current core flock is 9 sheep which expands to around 20 during the spring.

I am open to a lease with or without trade for goods or my services as a veterinarian if other animals are present on the property.

Thank you for your consideration,

What features of the property are essential?

Water, pasture, permanent fencing (though we use solar electric netting to break up bigger pastures)

Describe your farming experience

I have been raising sheep personally for 7 years, sometimes on the same property where I live and sometimes on land leases. Before veterinary school I was a ranch hand with a variety of small and large stock.

Are you currently farming?

What are your short term goals for the land

Establish a steady breeding program on a stable land lease, develop connections in a new area that will support a sheep centered business, develop a sustainable mulit-faceted sheep business.

What are your long term goals

Expanding the sheep flock to be a significant source of food, fiber and sheep access within our community.

Describe your housing needs

Our human family is also relocating to the area and we are definitely open to a rental or sale property that could house us as well as the sheep.

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

I am a queer veterinarian and shepherd. I am reminded daily of the necessity of diversity in all life for the continuation of any life. This is as true in humans as it is in agriculture or in the wild. I am dedicated to the meaningful support of diversity in all of these spaces.