Yes - I have the outlines of a business plan looking to raise heritage pork, though always looking for more information and guidance
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I have savings, as well as access to a large PLOC.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - I would certainly want to take advantage of any applicable government grants. Small scale loans may be needed, depending on the infrastructure present on land.
Project
Farm Name
That depends on the farm. Won't know until I see the land.
Farm Project Description
I am looking to raise heritage breeds of pork (Berkshire, probably Duroc) for commercial sale, focusing on the local market initially. Depending on size of land and possibility to scale production, I believe looking to market my hogs to the high-end export market may be the ultimate course of action. While hogs will be the focus of my farm, and the source of my farm's income, I would also be looking to have chickens/ducks and goats/sheep for personal consumption, as well as growing my own fruits and vegetables. Ideally, opportunities for hunting also exist on or near the property. I will be making use of guard/livestock dogs to assist in animal management and farm security.
In the long run, I have dreams on someday opening a small farmhouse restaurant on an established farm, though that is quite some time, and a lot of work, away.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Duration of the desired agreement
Minimum 5 years
Ideal date to obtain land by
I'm ready to starting working on my dream right now
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
10 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - 5 or less
Cultivable Area (acres)
5-10
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Depending on financial success, scaling up could eventually take 30 acres
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Ideally, the land is not too stony. Besides that, my personal choice in crops will adapt to the growing conditions of the land. Level terrain would be ideal, hills can work. Access to a stream would be great, for water collection, fishing potential and also potential mini-hydro electric power generation.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - I prefer my privacy, but neighbourliness is good too.
Need farm buildings
Yes
Need fenced land
Yes
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes
Need established water source and infrastructure
I will need to setup pig pens and animal barns, storage facilities, and housing, depending on what is available on site.
Need on-site housing
Yes
Production type
Vegetable - Mixed vegetable for personal consumption
Livestock - Pork for commercial sale, poultry and goats/sheep for personal consumption
Orchard/Fruit - Brambles and fruit trees for personal consumption
Bees - I would eventually like to keep bees, for pollination effects and personal honey consumption
Type of agriculture
Soil needs
Rich, loamy soils would be great, but I'll take anything and adapt.
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - I am not entirely familiar with this, but from my understanding of it, I would approve.
