Ready to Grow

Can you help Farm on 42nd find its next growing space?

What will this future farm look like?

Much depends upon the location where we land. The following sketch feels right, but I’m also listening.

  • The site must be cleared and suitable for farming - relatively open, flat and fence-able. Acreage from 0.5 acre on up will be considered.

  • Closer to my home base of 42nd St in Springfield means less time driving, less fossil fuels, and more time spent farming and in community.

  • Land tenure is a priority - three year minimum lease required and longer preferred.

  • The farm is a business and must generate income. On the other hand, the farm does not exist to maximize profit and as such financial terms must be conducive to a regenerative, holistic and not-entirely capitalist adventure.

  • A few more details are available on the shareable pdf to the right. If you have an idea, let’s talk.

A few more details….

  • In Oregon, permitted water rights are required for any kind of commercial agriculture with irrigation. A lot of agriculture happens outside of this permitted system but the landholder and farmer need to be clear on operating in a grey zone. I’m open to dry land farming (no water rights) but this would have a major impact on farm plans and pricing structure.

  • Land for Good’s Toolbox for Landowners links to a wealth of information, particularly for those considering leasing their land for the first time.

    The average rate for unirrigated pasture land in Oregon is $120 per acre per year. Irrigated and fenced land closer to good markets can go for a few to several hundred dollars a year. Have a shed and barns and greenhouse? That adds value. Nobody is getting rich off leasing land to farmers. Landholders can receive ag property tax reductions, other farm tax benefits, and a lease that may include free vegetables. Land will increase in value as an active productive farm rather than a fallow field.

  • I’m open to farming partners, business partners, and community partners. Have an idea? Let’s talk.

FAQs

  • I have extensive experience growing a wide variety of year-round crops - a mix of annuals, bi-ennials, perennials, herbs, flowers, fruits, cover crops and nursery plants. Growing for diversity takes daily maintenance and more intensive infrastructure, which is something that can be grown into. Simpler layouts can be started with just a few crops and a good rotation - think beans, corn, potatoes, squash, garlic, and cover crops.

  • My farming practices are guided by an ecosystem approach. This looks like cultivating plant diversity, prioritizing soil health and water conservation, generating on-farm fertility, uplifting human labor, and maintaining an abundance mindset. I celebrate practices known as organic, permaculture, no-till, regenerative, and biodynamic and interweave the practices that I feel best care for a particular place.

  • I currently sell at two local farmers markets. I am attracted to a member-supported farm buyer’s club (also known as a CSA). Farm stands, restaurant sales, and direct to product makers are all possibilities.

  • At this time, I am a sole owner and operator of my current farm business. It may continue this way for a while, or, I may hire help for a larger piece of land. I’m also interested in cooperatives and partnership models. All working relationships will be based on fair wages, legal labor practices, and healthy communication.

    I would love to involve a greater community in ways that can only be determined once an appropriate site is found.

  • I’m happy to share a business plan created specific to the farm property. It will vary dependent upon size, available natural resources, existing infrastructure and location.

    To give an idea - start up costs may include fencing and irrigation equipment, seeds and plants, hand tools and harvest equipment, compost and fertility inputs, and simple storage facilities; not to mention labor and costs of doing business. I am prepared to invest in all of these things, and the farm business will be run in a way to generate enough income to balance expenses. I am not looking to profit beyond covering expenses and labor.

  • Send me an email (farmon42nd@gmail.com) and we can continue by email, phone or face-to-face.