Shepard seeking land for small grazing goat herd

Land Seeker Description

Hello! My name is Em, I am in the process of expanding my herd of goats to take over a grazing brush removal business and am looking for a few acres to house them in the off season and between jobs.

The grazing season is roughly March to October, depending on rainfall. The goats can also be used on your property to help clear any land you may want to farm in the future, when we’re in between gigs. I am particularly interested in rotational grazing, and would love to see my boys help to improve the soil and biodiversity on a farm when they’re not out eating blackberries. Ideally, this plot of land would have some pasture / forage available, a barn or shelter structure, and water within a reasonable distance.

What features of the property are essential?

On-site water, shelter / permission to install a shelter, fencing / permission to install fencing. Steep un-farmable land welcome!

Describe your farming experience

I have worked on a goat dairy, an alpaca farm, and a large scale organic CSA vegetable farm over the last few years. Each of these jobs has taught me something new about farming and I am particularly interested in finding a point to combine animal husbandry and vegetable farming.

Are you currently farming?

What are your short term goals for the land

Short term is to establish a good, secure home base for my goats to live when they are not out on a job site - this can include building or repairing fencing, establishing pasture, repairing any existing structures for shelter or building one, and establishing a good water supply from an on site well or other source.

What are your long term goals

Long term, I would love to be a part of a larger farming family that practices no-till vegetable farming and uses rotational grazing to improve the soil. I would like to live on site with similarly minded folks, and run a few small businesses alongside the grazing selling vegetables, herbs, and other things we produce.

Describe your housing needs

I do not have any housing needs for myself at this time, just my goats! Down the road, it would be wonderful to live on the same property as them, if the fit is right.

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 white queer trans farmer, I'm looking to create safe spaces for farmers who may have not felt safe in rural environments in the past. I hope to use my privileges as a white, male-passing person to provide resources to the next generation of farmers, once I am established. I also acknowledge and want to make space for this generation of QTPOC farmers, and want to make sure I never take a space or opportunity from a person of color in the farming world.