General farming (3 years+) - Horses, pigs, poultry, rabbits, vegetables & herbs.
Other experience/agricultural/business training - Student - Applied Sustainable Ranching, Thompson Rivers University; many years of experience in business (finance and administration, corporate governance), entrepreneurial experience (establishment and sale of small corporation).
Do you have a business plan?
No - Initial plan is drafted. An extensive plan to be completed at end of 2021 (second year of TRU program)
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I am prepared to secure financing. I have savings/seed-capital.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - I will be pursuing grants as well, but a modest loan will be my primary source of financing.
Project
Farm Name
Farm Project Description
While my agricultural interests are not limited to any single area of farming, I am currently hoping to establish an operation that produces organic (or near-organic) rabbit and lamb meat; wool/fiber; market garden vegetables and possibly forage. I am also interested in cooperative ventures/ideas that allow various farming endeavours to work together in regenerating and maintaining healthy lands. I have a keen interest in soil regeneration and biodiversity, which I plan to put to use in my own enterprise. I intend to continue my education in this area as well.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
License -
Transfer / Succession -
Other - Access to acres (to pursue my agricultural vision) in exchange for help on land-owner's existing operation.
Duration of the desired agreement
3 + years
Ideal date to obtain land by
Immediately, or early spring
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
10+ acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - Partially wooded area is fine, but prefer majority to be non-wooded land.
Cultivable Area (acres)
1 acre of reasonably garden-friendly soil
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Maybe - depending on size of area currently available
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - I would like to reside on the property as well. I can provide my own seasonal accommodation (5th wheel) for three seasons. I have accommodations for winter, if necessary.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Large shed or barn
Need fenced land
Yes - At least perimeter fencing.
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Basic infrastructure, low volume. Unless forage is in place, where irrigation is necessary.
Need on-site housing
Yes - Preferably, yes. I can also live seasonally in my 5th wheel.
Production type
Vegetable - Market garden (veggies and herbs).
Livestock - Sheep, rabbits and chickens (meat and eggs).
Hay & Forage - I'm willing to produce forage if the property supports doing so.
Orchard/Fruit - Yes, if the property has existing trees.
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Other - My eventual goal is organic, but I'm willing to bring land to that point over time.
Soil needs
I can work with a variety of soils (declining or low production soil). Very poor soil would have to be discussed in overall property goals/vision.
