Preferred counties/regions
- Hudson Valley
- Dutchess County
- Ulster County
- Sullivan County
- Orange County
- Putnam County
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
Desired acreage
- 21-50
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate the majority of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
I am a Hudson Valley contractor and land steward with more than 30 years of hands-on experience working with land, equipment, and property improvements. While my background is primarily in construction and land development, I have extensive experience with land clearing, property restoration, fencing, drainage, excavation, and maintaining rural properties.
I am seeking a farm or large rural property where I can help restore and maintain the land while establishing a long-term stewardship arrangement. My vision is to develop Under Skye’s Wing Animal Sanctuary, providing a peaceful home for rescued and displaced animals while preserving and improving the land.
My approach is focused on responsible land management, maintaining pasture and natural areas, improving infrastructure such as barns and fencing, and keeping the property productive and well cared for.
I am open to many types of arrangements including farm partnerships, caretaker opportunities, long-term leases, or gradual ownership transitions. I am also open to creative ideas that help support the financial sustainability of the farm, such as responsible improvements or limited development where appropriate.
My goal is to care for the land, improve the property, and create a lasting place where animals and the land itself can thrive.
Farm Experience & Education
I have over 30 years of hands-on experience as a contractor in the Hudson Valley working on residential construction, property renovation, excavation, land clearing, and general property improvements. Much of my work has involved restoring older properties and maintaining rural land.
Earlier in my career I also owned and operated Taconic Woods Landscape Company, providing landscape and tree service work in the region. That work involved tree care, property maintenance, and working with landowners to improve and manage their properties.
I completed two years of technical training at Northern Westchester Technical Training Center in Yorktown Heights, studying arboriculture, horticulture, and conservation. That background gave me a good understanding of trees, plant care, and responsible land management.
While my professional work has primarily been in construction rather than traditional farming, I have spent many years working on rural properties and understand the effort required to maintain land and buildings.
My goal is to apply my construction and land management experience toward restoring and caring for a farm property while gradually developing a small animal sanctuary in a responsible and sustainable way.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- No method
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
Primary livestock
-
Cattle - Dairy
-
Goats/Sheep
-
Pigs
-
Poultry
-
Bees
-
Other Livestock
My primary interest is not large-scale farming but responsible land stewardship. My long-term goal is to develop a small animal sanctuary where rescued animals can live safely while the land is maintained and improved.
Any livestock would likely be small in number and focused on rescue or sanctuary animals rather than commercial production.
I would also be open to maintaining pasture, gardens, orchards, or small crop areas appropriate to the property. My focus would be on caring for the land responsibly, keeping fields maintained, and improving the property over time.
Marketing Method
My long-term vision is to develop Under Skye’s Wing Animal Sanctuary as a place where rescued animals can live safely while also creating opportunities for the public to visit and learn about animals and land stewardship.
Over time the property could include several family-friendly attractions designed to support the sustainability of the farm and sanctuary, such as educational exhibits, visitor experiences, and small activities that encourage people to spend time on the property.
These types of attractions would help generate income for the farm while also creating a positive place for families and children to connect with animals and nature.
My goal is to build something that benefits the animals, the land, and the local community while keeping the property well maintained and financially sustainable.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Barns - Equipment Storage
-
Electrical access
-
Equipment
-
Farmer housing
-
Fencing
-
Water access
Housing on the property would be important so that I can live on-site and properly care for the land and animals. A small house, apartment, or cottage would be sufficient. I do not require anything large or elaborate.
Access to a garage, barn space, or small workshop area for tools and equipment would also be helpful since my background is in construction and property maintenance.
Existing barns, outbuildings, or farm structures would be a plus, but I am also comfortable repairing or improving buildings where needed.
My goal is to live on the property and help maintain and improve it while gradually developing the sanctuary in a responsible way.
Desired Tenure
I am open to several possible arrangements depending on the landowner’s goals for the property. Ideally I am looking for a long-term opportunity where I can live on the property and help maintain and improve the land while gradually developing the sanctuary.
Possible arrangements could include a caretaker or live-work arrangement, a long-term lease, a partnership with the landowner, or a gradual transition of responsibility for the farm over time.
I understand that many farms are at a stage where the owners are considering retirement or a change in how the property is managed. My goal would be to help preserve and care for the land while putting it to good use and maintaining the property long-term.
I am flexible and open to creative arrangements that work well for the landowner while allowing the property to continue being maintained and improved. Doesn't hurt to talk
