Farm management (3 years+) - 4 years co-managing a mixed farming operation (sheep, cattle, forage and horticultural crops)
General degree - Currently completing a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies
General farming (3 years+) - Third generation farmer, grew up in the industry. Also worked for on various cattle and sheep operations in BC and Alberta.
Other experience/agricultural/business training - Western Ranch and Cow Horse Certificate from Lakeland College. Partial accreditation from TRU Applied Sustainable Ranching program.
Do you have a business plan?
No - Currently finalizing my business plan.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I have a personal line of credit and some possible investors who I still need final commitment from.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - I suspect I will likely need a small start up loan or grant.
Project
Farm Name
Sourdough Grazing Company
Farm Project Description
Sourdough Grazing Co. will provide custom grazing services to livestock producers looking to improve their rates of gain and breed back percentages by taking advantage of an experienced holistic grazier with an extensive background in low-stress livestock handling. Initial grazing contracts will be for the spring/summer/fall grazing season for cow/calf pairs, heifers or stockers. Once sufficient infrastructure is in place and knowledge of the land base is established winter grazing and/or pasture feeding contracts may be offered.
Holistic grazing strategies such as cell grazing, rotational grazing and instinctive migratory grazing will be used to ensure livestock have continued access to prime feed while improving the soil and ecology to allow for increased stock densities year over year. Specific strategies will be selected based on the type of land and class of livestock to be grazed.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
License -
Duration of the desired agreement
5 years
Ideal date to obtain land by
May 2022
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1500 - 3000+ Animal Unit Months
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Good to excellent quality tame, native or mixed pasture, prefer native or mixed over tame unless irrigation is available. Perimeter and some cross-fencing in place although preferably minimal cross fencing so I can set up pastures or grazing cells that suit my management practices. Intensive, high yield pastures will require access to piped water. Existing cattle handling facilities or space to build a semi-permanent facility are a must. I would prefer to be able to make modifications to existing handling facilities to better suit my stockmanship methods if necessary. A drylot pen or small pasture for 4-6 horses would also be a requirement.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - I am fine with the landowner residing on the property. As long as it is understood that I have final say on management decisions as it relates to grazing and handling of client livestock.
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
Yes - Bare minimum perimeter fenced. Some existing cross fence would be preferred on larger pieces of land.
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Piped water for intensively grazed land and stock tanks or natural water sources on extensive land. Water availability must be adequate for groups of 100-300 cattle.
Need on-site housing
Yes - I would prefer housing on site or the ability to bring some kind of temporary housing (travel trailer, yurt, etc) as it would cut down on the amount of time spent hauling horses, dogs and gear around.
Production type
Livestock - Custom grazing and potentially feeding of cattle
