| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| PocketFarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 07:36:28 AM
Hi!
I've been living in Ohio for the last fourteen years, but we've known for the last five at least that we wouldn't get to stay where we were, so I put my farmgirl dreams on hold, to a point. I still managed to landscape with vegetables at our little suburban rental and work on filling our big chest freezer, providing just about all the produce for our family; and since we're vegetarian, that's no mean feat! Just as we found a big house to rent in the country on acreage, my husband got a job here in Utica, NY. Now we're wandering through the chain of small rural towns that surround us, looking for a farm we can afford. We're crammed in a teensy rental with a postage stamp yard, and I'm feeling a little...trapped? The kids are used to being outside all day, and I'm used to having my hands in the dirt. This is usually the time of year when all the work I did results in ridiculous riches.
We have three kids, 5, 3 and 4 months. I homeschool, and we're planning to have a huge family garden, small orchard, chickens, beehives, maybe a cow and goat. I'd like to start selling at farmer's markets and eventually work up to a CSA/subscription farm.
I've seen MaryJanesFarm magazine before, and found the book at the library, which led me here. The thread on websites to search for farms already helped a ton. I'm thrilled to be here! |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Sep 18 2006 : 10:49:27 AM
Welcome, Sarah! I'm new here myself. My husband and I looked for 2 years before we found our little farmstead. Regular banks here won't loan money on 'just land'. They say that land has to have something built on it('Improvements', they call it) before it's worth anything! So we went through a land company. They used what's called a 'contract for deed' when they sell you land. They own the land and you are buying their contract on it. This can be risky because if you default, they get not only all the money you've paid in, but anything you build/add to the land as well. But the downpayment is usually low and they will give you a choice as to the length of the loan. Interest rates are higher than banks, but I pay extra into the principal when I can. I remember how frustrating it was to try to find a good piece of land and then someone to loan money on it before somebody else bought it out from under us. Don't give up! I know you'll find it!
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
| dargaonfly1054 |
Posted - Sep 18 2006 : 09:44:50 AM
Hi Sarah, I used to go to Utica to visit a dentist when I was a kid. Right now I live in Nicholville, way upstate.....and have a 5.8 acre "hobby" farm. So far all we have is two dogs, two cats, and a whole passle of pigeons. My kids are all grown but somehow have managed to have the two boys still at home at the moment. We put in a smallish garden this year, but next year we plan on getting a little bit bigger. Good luck and keep in touch!!
"There is a voice that doesn't use words........Listen." |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Sep 17 2006 : 4:31:24 PM
Hi Sarah:
I can remember being in your shoes when I was first looking to buy a home back in the early 80s. Just when we were ready to look for something, the prices would go to the next bracket (which we could not afford). Then we would save a little more to buy into that higher bracket and the same thing kept happening. Eventually my dad said, "Look, just see what the mortgage will be at the higher price and make it work somehow." When we were in the market, I said that I never wanted to have to move again, so the house had to be one that could handle a family and then just the two of us later on. Prices on Long Island are outrageous (thanks to the city people who buy their homes "for the summer" here). So, we ended up buying the house that was more than we could afford, and I am still here 24 years later. It seemed like we would never make it, but now it seems easier. Sometimes we had to work more than we wanted, but at least we got the house and managed to keep it. Also, we ate eggs (from our own chickens) practically every other day since it was free food for us. Somehow, we always survive, huh? I'll be thinking of you. There is probably some type of mortgage (plus tax breaks) for people who buy a small or large farm. You are right to check it out. Have fun! Sheryl-lyn |
| PocketFarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 16 2006 : 6:19:58 PM
Thanks, everyone! I used my last pot of homemade raspberry jam to top my daughter's birthday cake today. Didn't get to pick this year b/c I had a new baby and was moving.
So far, everything that looks right is either off the market before it's properly on, or it's in the next bracket up from our price range. I keep trying to figure out if I need to see a "farm lender"...maybe there's some kind of financing I should be looking into that I don't know about? Anyway, I appreciate the well-wishes, and it's nice to see so many farmgirls in NY! |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Sep 16 2006 : 6:13:36 PM
Hello and Welcome!
I pass through Utica at least a couple of times a year on my way to go camping at my Aunt's place in Harrisville-Lake Bonaparte. There are some beautiful areas around there-good luck finding your dream farm!
Jennifer |
| blueroses |
Posted - Sep 15 2006 : 09:38:28 AM
Hi Sarah,
Welcome to the forum. We all have dreams and that's what keeps us going. MJ is an inspiration and so are all the great folks on this forum.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Sep 14 2006 : 6:23:29 PM
Hi Sarah, Welcome! All great adventures start off as a dream or a wish. Just keep walking in the direction of it and it will happen. You will find your farm and you will make it everything you have dreamed of. Keep us posted. In the meantime, you have this site to egg you on! Sheryl-lyn |
| Libbie |
Posted - Sep 13 2006 : 4:54:17 PM
Hi, Sarah - welcome to the 'Connection! It sounds like you have an amazing thing going with your garden - you'll just love your farm when you find it! Glad to have you here!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Buttercup |
Posted - Sep 13 2006 : 12:45:45 AM
Sarah,
Welcome!! I too am vegetarian and homeschool 3 of my 4 kids. I also do not have my dream farm yet due to husband's job but hope to in the next 1-3 years somewhere in the northeast. This is a wonderful place full of so many wonderful gals and information! I hope you enjoy it here even half as much as I have and here is to your farmgirl dreams comming true!!
Hugz,
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 8:41:05 PM
Hi Sarah and welcome,
I hope all your dreams (and everyone's, including mine!!) come true real soon!
Best wishes,
Jayne |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 12:52:08 PM
welcome to the group Sarah!
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 12:49:28 PM
SARAH
Keep us updated on your home search, hope it happens soon for you, its hard not knowing whats next, but that is a nice area you are in and so hope it won't be long for something good comes your way. Three little ones, I had three little ones close together, remember those days well. YIPPES!!
NANCY JO |
| frannie |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 12:16:58 PM
welcome to this wonderful site. you will fit right in. i hope you find your farm real soon.
keep us posted on your search.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 09:03:36 AM
Welcome Sarah! Good luck in your search for your farm. I'm sure you will find one that fits you perfectly!!
Karin |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 07:58:29 AM
Hi Sarah!! Welcome to the group! I have always dreamed of having a CSA someday too..sounds like you sure have the know how..how neat that you are providing so much of the produce for your family!
Isn't this the most interesting and fun place? I am so glad you found us!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| sunshine |
Posted - Sep 12 2006 : 07:42:16 AM
Welcome to the group it sounds like you are a great farmer if you can literally supply all the food your family eats. I hope you find your farm soon.
Welcome again I hope you have fun here
sunshine.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my web store www.sunshines.etsy.com my other web store http://vintagethreads.etsy.com/
my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/ my google page http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
