I think it would be easier than trying to find funding to help the farm startup.
I do have a shovel. I suppose I should start diggin now. I just keep hoping that somehow I will find a source of funding to get us started this year. I know that farm will pay for itself, with good planning and ideas for value-added products we can’t lose. We should have a good crop of mushrooms, yum yum. We already have a plan to specialize in peppers, all kinds of peppers.
I’d like to start out with as small a carbon footprint as possible which means finding local sources for our inputs and supplies, building energy systems, capitalizing on the resources that are on the land and connecting with our local community.
I’m taking baby steps in getting everything going, finding grants and completing paperwork for that. I’m to the point where I can get the DUNS number and complete registration on the grants.gov website. Then I have to find grants that I am eligible for, hope that I haven’t missed the deadline and follow all the rules for submission. Here we go…
February 25, 2009 at 8:22 pm |
Hi. I stumbled onto your blog via Linkedin. I was curious to ask if you’d found any websites where farmers can share information? It would seem that would be a great way to get some advice on funding and startup issues.
Maybe there are some Farmer’s Market groups or other opportunities for networking through Slow Food? Also you might check out LocalHarvest.org if you haven’t already.
February 26, 2009 at 4:32 pm |
Just found your blog (through a Wash U connection) and wanted to encourage you to keep going in your journey. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just get started! Get those seeds in the ground, or get a handful of animals to start with.
One of the best farm blogs around for beginning farmers is http://thebeginningfarmer.blogspot.com/ – he (like me) raises livestock, but I think his story will resonate nonetheless. If you go back to the beginning, you can see how things unfolded for him.
February 27, 2009 at 5:55 pm |
You might be interested in this list:
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/livingontheland
March 4, 2009 at 5:28 pm |
Hi Karen,
I can’t get you two out of my mind while I do farm chores and wonder about the answers to the various questions I’ve posed for you and Jody. Please get back to me often so I can attempt to “guide” you through the building process and crop planning, sustainability, etc.
I see approx. ten restaurants and several hotels in your immediate area and the river must be close by as well. Remember, local, local, local!!! Get and sell everything local first. Network with everyone around you and get them to come to you!
Look for used equipment like a diesel tractor (4wd) to do alot that two people by themselves can’t manage. Check out craigslist.org for everything you might need. It’s out there and much less expensive.
Hope to continue to correspond with you guys.
Bye for now,
Dann
March 10, 2009 at 7:46 pm |
Karen, I was pleased to see the invite to join your group. I wish I could help your endeavor in some way, but the best thing for you to do is not give up on your dream. It is a worthwhile cause and most admirable. I can only lend you my constant prayers. Trust me when I say, you are much better off on your own than relying on Corporate America to make your living. Look where that is getting us. I am proud to know you and what you are doing.
Roger