Agricultural Cohousing Opportunity; Southwestern Virginia

Hello everyone!

Our farm is going through a transition from a straight dairy farm to more of group sustaining place using permaculture, animal husbandry, and lower entropy farming methods. Our goal is to build a diverse community practicing agriculture, and sharing lives. There is room here for additional businesses centered on beekeeping, textiles, mushrooms, soap making, and other cottage industries.

We're starting off with rooms for rent, with garden, barn, and pasture space on our 33 acre grass-fed dairy farm in Southwestern Virginia. Apprenticeships or partnerships or long term arrangements are what we're looking for. Seeking individuals with interest in permaculture, fermentation, historical agriculture, bee keeping, chickens, excellent references and similar lifestyles. Help with gardens, dairy and livestock in exchange for organic produce, milk, etc. Share house with other renters and owners(sleeping only).

We currently cultivate a range of vegetables, dairy cows and some fruit trees. Hopefully we'll be adding a small poultry flock and, pigs soon, though if someone else wanted to head that up, that would work out well. Orchard planting continues, as well as many other interesting projects. Current emphasis is towards group-sufficency and a range of historical farming skills and approaches.

Land has nice features for diversified farming (good wells, soil, springs, and nearby markets). Rooms are available starting February 1st- $400 per month, including utilities. We have three private rooms, separate bath(share with other renter(s)), upstairs sitting room, downstairs sitting/work room, own entrance, ample parking. Kitchen shared with other renters(dishwasher, gas stove) /dining area, washer/dryer in 2800 sq ft round house.

Short drive to Floyd and the Blue Ridge Parkway. All utilities included, hi-speed internet and cable TV (optional). 45 minute drive to Blacksburg/Christiansburg area and Virginia Tech. Pets considered, must be compatible with existing work dogs. Appropriate arrangements to secure trust can be discussed. Anyone interested please drop us a line!

Hi George,

Is your farm in W Floyd COunty?

This sounds like a great opportunity for folks.
Best wishes on your adventures.

Hello Gail,

Yes it is in western Floyd County. Where are you living/farming?

I'm bumping to see if there's anyone interested; we're still hoping to find some interesting people!

Are children welcome?

Yes, children would be welcome. It would be a different experience for us, but that is by no means a bad thing.

Being on a farm is one of the best ways to grow up.

I'm interested in hearing more about what you have to offer.  How do I get in touch?  Do you have a website?

I'm also interested!

Hello your set up sounds real nice. I'm personally envious and would love to be a part of something like you have. I'm a home brewer who has a passion for medicine as well. I'd love to hear from you.

Hello sir,

My name is Odunayo Olabiyi from Nigeria. I am well able energetic man of 41 years old. I saw your post that you need apprenticeship or partnership in your group of farms. I write to show my interest for apprenticeship in your farm. My email: davolab80@gmail.com.

I look forward to hear from you.

Thanks
Odunayo.

Hello,
Does the $400 per month go towards ownership?. Working and paying rent doesn’t sound like the cohousing I was considering where people own their own house on shared land. Renting while also working for a long term doesn’t sound like a good investment. Perhaps for a few months or a year or two at most. But to each their own. Nice list of skills to learn. Is instruction included? This sounds somewhat like a apprenticeship stimulation.