Last August, 26 acres of farmland adjoining the farm (Dooryard Farm) that I managed for 6 years went up for sale. The farmland was hayed once a year by MCHT, but was completely undeveloped. It became a part of my twice daily walks around Dooryard Farm with my dog in 2020, a beautiful expanse of land that I grew to love and appreciate through every season.

The property was initially too expensive for the Direct Farm Ownership loan through the Farm Service Agency (a no down payment, 40 year loan program designed for farm managers with little credit and no assets--me!)

Several months later, the seller took the price down and I was able to go through the process of applying for the Direct Farm Ownership Loan with the FSA.

At the end of August 2026, I closed on the 26 acres that have felt like home to me for many years. I have since tilled my first acre for crops, and the first 12 (free!) community garden plots, which already have 5 reservations for the 2027 season.