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A Farm of My Own:  Wooohoooo! Wait, now what  |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 28 2008 : 5:06:44 PM
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Hey Guys! Well, I have some INTERESTING news; I first sent it over to the FGF ladies, as they've known me for a little bit, but I also reposted here. I am really hoping to get some good advice, so here goes!
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...if you've known me for even half a second, you'll know I'm the city chick who wants out to live on a farm. I have enough animal and some farm work experience, a bit of organic farming experience,and TONS of writing, advertising, events planning and administrative experience.
Well, after posting a classified ad, I received an email from a young local gentleman who just bough 500 ACRES of upstate New York land and, I guess being impressed by the resume, he wants me to be the FORMAN (woman?) of the property!! Well, I almost fell out of my chair! 
Basically, the guy is very "liberal"--is not looking for old fashioned farming (though he's not too "new-agey" either), is interested in organic farming and humane animal raising and anything else feasable.
Well, after doing a small jig in the kitchen, I paused for a moment of clarity. There were a few details he mentioned that definitely conflict with the most ideal situation. Maybe one of you fine ladies can assist me here? I am suddenly in a quandry. On the one hand, it's 500 ACRES to create a FARM which, frankly, means I basically owe God BIG time favors, for all those prayers answered. Here are the cons, though:
1.The farm is 7 hours away from the city. Not that I mind, but the fiance has a job in the city that pays well, and he is a fitness expert and wellness coach. The immediate area is full of Amish folk (the farm, itself was bought from an elderly Amish dairyman). Not that I mind the Amish, but I don't think they have a CLUE about fitness or wellness.
2. The farm IS near Colgate University. I have no idea how diverse the outside vicinity is, which means I don't know if on-site farming, or creating something "touristy" (U-pick, bed and breakfast, etc) would even remotely work.
3. --Well, this one, you might probably laugh at but, I'm a city slicker through and through and, having worked with animals--I don't know that I have the guts to raise animals for slaughter. 
I'm a nice vegetarian, the sort that would probably name a cow or sheep and then weep relentlessly if it's sent off to the butcher. The owner had mentioned several POSSIBILITIES of raising animals, but I have a feeling I'd be uncomfortable with it, although fiance mentioned that I could hire someone else specifically for meat raising, and busy myself elsewhere. Since the owner is open to any possibility, as long as it was profitable, I was thinking to try alternative projects, but I'm not sure.
4. The owner mentioned a five year commitment. I'd hope we'd have our OWN farm before this time, but you can't beat the learning factor. He hasn't mentioned pay yet, though, and that might be the deciding factor.
Everything else is workable. I'm not afraid of the weather, cold, or research, getting dirty, long days, wrassling critters, etc. I've pretty much been researching for over a year, on my own and for the crazy magazine (yikes, if I move I guess BigTownFarmer becomes something else? Ha!)
So what do you think? Any advice? I've already written the pros and cons and I'm still stuck. By the way, you can view more details--and pictures of the farm--at my bigtownfarmer blogspot blog!
Thanks in advance!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
www.bigtownfarmer.com
www.pumpkinpatchparlor.etsy.com
And Blogs:
www.bigtownfarmer.blogspot.com
www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2008 : 5:21:28 PM
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I think that this would be quite an undertaking for someone who has never done it before. It sounds like you definately have the organizational experience and if he's looking for that kind of foreman, it might be something you want to pursue. If, however, he is looking for a "working foreman", one who actually works the farm in addition to the administrative duties, it might be a bit overwhelming. If I were you, I'd have some long talks with the owner and see just exactly what he expects of the position before you make any decisions. And, I think you might be surprised by the Amish, if you've never been around them. They are possibly the most fit and well people around - acheived not through a trainer or gym, but their ordinary daily life - home grown and prepared food and lots of hard work and fresh air.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2008 : 5:42:41 PM
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Wow!!!! What a decision!! It sounds so cool! Best of luck!!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2008 : 6:46:45 PM
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Hey Sherri. I did ask the new owner--actually it was the FIRST thing I asked because I, too, didn't want to take on the job if it was going to be over my head. Basically, I would be able to take on what I could and hire staff, as well, as far as I understand.
BTW: don't get me wrong, I am very interested in the Amish way of life, but I think I would scare THEM (Have you seen me lately?) 
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
www.bigtownfarmer.com
www.pumpkinpatchparlor.etsy.com
And Blogs:
www.bigtownfarmer.blogspot.com
www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 08:40:35 AM
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I think the key word here is "forman" (or forwoman?)....you are to manage the running of the farm. That means, that you delegate to folks who take care of the slaughtering, choosing, etc...when that time comes. Like you said, there aren't any animals yet, there is the prospect of animals and you should certainly prepare yourself, but my idea is that you are going to be consulting and helping make beneficial decisions for the farm.
Just my thoughts...
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 10:23:00 AM
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I wouldn't worry too much about fitting in with the Amish. They don't have much to do with people outside their own community, and when they do have professional contact with non-Amish they just assume that you are going to be totally different from them. Your personal style might seem freaky to the average small town conservative, but to the Amish we're all freaks. And this place appears to be in the Syracuse area, which means you'd have plenty of access to your own kind. Syracuse is a little on the grim side (from what I've seen driving through) but it does have a large student population and a nice downtown with shops and restaurants. I have a couple of friends who moved from Syracuse to Rochester just a few years ago and they had plenty of favorite spots there.
I don't have any opinion on whether you'd be qualified for the job, but it sounds like kind of a nebulous proposal. He doesn't say how much he's going to pay you or exactly what you're going to do, but it has to be profitable and he wants a 5 year commitment from you? I'd be wary and get all those details down in writing before committing to anything.
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 11:41:27 AM
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Hey, Sherri. Yep, that be me and yep, those be dreads. Not your typical farmgirl, right? SO you see what I mean. But on the inside I'm a farmgirl, even if the outside package is a littl strange :)
Jonni, thank you, I am hoping it works out that way.
Hey Amie! Long time no talking :) Actually, I had that feeling and definitely, if it's a long term commitment, I wanted it in writing too, but I was waiting to see what he'd offer as a salary before any negotiating.
Thanks guys, these are all good ideas!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
www.bigtownfarmer.com
www.pumpkinpatchparlor.etsy.com
And Blogs:
www.bigtownfarmer.blogspot.com
www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 12:15:44 PM
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| Hey, Zan. Did you ever get any my emails awhile back? I know I got yours saying that your were having trouble with your emails, but I wasn't sure if you ever saw what I sent you. Can't remember now exactly what that was, of course. |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 10:48:05 PM
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Well...here's the update...nope, it's a no go
The new owner of the 500 acres basically emailed me earlier today. This, four days after I sent the resume. Basically, he wrote that he was just going to have a caretaker on the property for now, but that I should "Keep in touch because we hope to have a real farm in a few years."
I dunno know about you, but this sounds like a polite way to say "go jump in a lake," if you get my drift.  Ahh, well, such is life. I appreciate the support ladies. As, I said in my blog, if this is the worst news I ever get in an email, I truly can thank the stars. Apparently, the Universe has other plans for me.
THANK YOU again, ladies, your enthusiasm is very infectious and encouraging 
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
www.bigtownfarmer.com
www.pumpkinpatchparlor.etsy.com
And Blogs:
www.bigtownfarmer.blogspot.com
www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 11:14:42 PM
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doesn't sound to me like he had a real "plan" in place as of yet. it seems to me that he needs to find a business developer and come up with a set business plan on what he really expects to do with the land..he may have come to the realization that hiring a foreman to run a farm that he doesn't quite yet have is a bit of jumping the gun so to speak.sometimes it takes a little stepping back from the idea to realize that to undertake something that he had in mind..takes alot more planning than it sounds like he had been doing at first.(just my wee 2 cents worth of what I see as probably having gone on in this situation)
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 4:41:02 PM
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Zan- aw! That is disappointing, but hopefully something a bit closer to home will come available! I know that someday you will have the farm you dream of!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 9:34:11 PM
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Oh sweetie Zan!! I'm sorry that didn't work out!! Maybe you are meant to spread the love of the ewnvironment and nature through your beautiful dance!!! Think of how many people you could reach living in the city!!! I think you are amzing and something
amazing will happen for you!! Look at MaryJane!!! many hugs!!!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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A Farm of My Own: Wooohoooo! Wait, now what |
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Wooohoooo! Wait, now what
