Hi! I've just inherited my grandfather's farm in Washington CT. I'm 25, live in new york, and have no money. I want more than anything to move to his place and start my life there, but I have no idea where to begin or what kind of options are available to me.
The farm is small, 10 acres, it has an orchard and a blueberry farm with 80 bushes and a field for seasonal produce. It has bee hives, but the bees passed away two winters ago. The soil is dry and little grows without fertilizer, and it's on a hill.
I used to work with him during the summer, I know how to maintain the produce, but I don't know anything beyond that.
In my dreams I would level the land and bulldoze his house, only to rebuild a small bed and breakfast. I would bring the bees back and harvest and sell organic honey. Where can I learn more about how to manage this property, or how to make a living on it? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
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I've just inherited my grandfather's farm, where do I start?
The farm is small, 10 acres, it has an orchard and a blueberry farm with 80 bushes and a field for seasonal produce. It has bee hives, but the bees passed away two winters ago. The soil is dry and little grows without fertilizer, and it's on a hill.
I used to work with him during the summer, I know how to maintain the produce, but I don't know anything beyond that.
In my dreams I would level the land and bulldoze his house, only to rebuild a small bed and breakfast. I would bring the bees back and harvest and sell organic honey. Where can I learn more about how to manage this property, or how to make a living on it? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
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Hey Jennifer, this is a fantastic opportunity (nearly a dream scenario!), and I could recommend some resources to inspire you to get started. Here are some books written by folks (some who had similar experiences):
“The Dirty Life” “How to Grow a Farmer” “This Organic Life” and “Farm City.”
And here’s a handful of blogs you could check out, especially regarding beekeeping: Farmer Erin, Gardening in the Burroughs of New York, Accidental Farmer, and
Brooklyn Homesteader.
While you research and learn, I also hope you’ll dig deep on how you can use this opportunity to drive a little change in the world. Will your bed and breakfast be a much-needed retreat for city artists? A place for people to reconnect with real food? An educational opportunity for local schools? Small-share CSA?
Very best of luck to you. Let me know how it goes!
I love this answer – and am so curious to hear what you decide to do Jennifer!
Great Answer, Jay!
Jay put it well – what a fantastic opportunity!
This is a dream scenario with the income already jump started for you. Before you bulldoze anything, find a permaculture consultant who will show you how to use the contours of the land to capture rainwater--probably install a pond which would be lovely for your guests; grow your soil amendments instead of buy them, and generally restore the financial vitality of this lovely place. Join the permaculture supporter group on linkedin.com. They love to help people with issues like yours in real time...Keep reaching out! peace and blessings!
Start the work you will come up with different options. To stand in front of the farm and thinks that this is gold is useless until and unless you will shower some potentials efforts to make it happen. Good Wishes
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