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Leasing Land for New Farm Enterprises: A Workshop for Landowners and Farmers

Welkinweir Arboretum & Preserve
Pottstown, PA

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Event

Leasing Land for New Farm Enterprises: A Workshop for Landowners and Farmers

This workshop and farm tour brings together landowners and farmers, and provides both groups with useful information to facilitate the creation of successful new sustainable farm enterprises on leased land.

We welcome landowners with any size parcel of land--from acre to hundreds of acres who want to explore the rewarding possibilities of making their land more productive by leasing it to a sustainable farmer.

We welcome farmers of all levels of experience who are planning a new farm, or wish to expand an existing farm business.

Agenda:
10 am Welcome by Marilyn Anthony, PASA Eastern Regional Director

10:15-10:45 "Building a Farm Enterprise on Solid Business Principles"
Entrepreneur, business consultant and local foods proponent Richard Matosky will discuss how applying proven business practices to the ideals and plans for a farm can result in a more successful and sustainable farming operation.

10:45-11:15 "What Farmers Need from Landowners"
Margot Bradley, of Pennypack Farm & Education Center in Montgomery County, has extensive experience with Pennypack's current land lease and has led their search for additional leased land. Margot will describe the fundamental features a farmer needs for workable land, the financial realities of affordable lease rates, and the potential return, financial and otherwise, to landowners.

11:15- 11:45 "Looking for Farmers"
Laura Siena, President of Lundale Farm, a 360 acre preserved farm in Chester County, will share her past and current experience interviewing prospective farm leasing candidateswhere to look for farmers, what she values in a farmer's resume, and what qualities and characteristics lead to making a good match between farmer and landowner.

11:45- 12:00 Question & Answer period with all presenters

12:00- 1:00 Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided. Landowners, please bring descriptions of your land or photographs (especially of any structures). Farmers, copies of a business plan if you have it, along with your resume as it relates to your education, farming, and business experience will be most useful.

1:00- 2:00 Farm Tour of Turning Roots Farm & CSA
Chris & TJ Costa began farming on the Lundale Farm in 2011 and expanded their farm business in 2012. The Costas will lead a tour of their 5 acre farm, with special emphasis on the capital improvements their farm enterprise required, and a discussion of their lease agreement with Lundale Farm. This is a rare opportunity for landowners to experience the scale and critical infrastructure of an intensively farmed sustainable vegetable business. Walking the Turning Roots Farm with the farmers will make more tangible what a small, well-managed farm can look like on your property.

**This is a Rain or Shine Event
**Price includes local foods lunch and a donation to Welkinweir

Location

Welkinweir Arboretum & Preserve (View)
1368 Prizer Road
Pottstown, PA 19465
United States

Contact

Owner: The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

On BPT Since: Oct 11, 2012

Denise Sheehan

Attendees

Suzanne L.

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA United States

Nov 01, 2012 4:19 PM

Laura S.

Temple University Fox MBA

Bryn Mawr, PA United States

Nov 01, 2012 3:53 PM

Dennis B.

n/a

Chester Springs, PA United States

Nov 01, 2012 11:06 AM

Trey F.

Two Gander Farm

Fleetwood, PA United States

Nov 01, 2012 9:26 AM

Deirdre F.