top of page

Incubator Farm Program at NVF

  • In Spring 2023 we'll be accepting up to 3 new incubator farm participants! Read through the info here and contact us with questions or to apply.
     

  • The purpose of the Nettle Valley Farm Incubator Program is to support and help launch beginning regenerative farmers by providing access to collaborators, land, shared equipment, business coaching, low interest microloans, and joint marketing opportunities for 1-3 years.
     

  • NVF Incubator Farm Program in the media:

  • Niches available starting in Spring 2023:

    • Small ruminants (goats & sheep, some limitations due to a Johne's issue in 2021, contact for more info)​

    • Poultry (broilers, layers, ducks, turkeys, guineas, etc.)

    • Microdairy

    • Medicinal herbs

    • Edible and medicinal mushrooms

    • Permaculture plants nursery

    • Custom forestry and sawmilling (we have a WoodMizer LT10)

    • Educational events (skill school, agritourism, kids programming, etc.)
       

  • Who is the ideal candidate for the incubator farm?

    • Someone who has been through the holistic management goal setting process, Farm Beginnings, taken a PDC and/or equivalent training.

    • Someone who is ready to start managing their own enterprises but not ready or able to buy their own land/equipment yet.

    • Someone who values open and honest communication and is willing to work through the tough times that every group has with an open heart.
       

  • What the incubator farm will offer:

    • Agreed upon access to infrastructure (barn, storage sheds, hay shed), forest, pasture, pine plantation and tillable ground

    • Electricity and well water

    • Tools: hand tool and power tool library, Earthway seeder, wheel hoe, chainsaws and PPE, irrigation equipment, some fencing materials

    • Opportunity to use equipment like 50 hp tractor, 4wd truck, flatbed trailer, livestock trailer, UTV, etc.

    • Basic business support on how to start an LLC, set up bookkeeping and accounting systems, do business taxes, etc.

    • Regenerative farming library

    • Joint marketing opportunities through the farm’s existing network

    • Opportunities to host/participate in farm events

    • Access to low-interest microloans

    • Surplus wild and cultivated food from the land
       

  • Requirements:

    • Must commit to using regenerative farming techniques

    • Must have an LLC or other formal business structure with comprehensive liability insurance

    • Must provide your own living arrangements.

      • Room and board is $500 per month in our house and includes a private room, communal food (covers all food except special items, alcohol and coffee), all utilities except firewood (we can usually gather a winter's worth in a few shared work days), fast internet, laundry, an infrared sauna, and a pretty awesome porch.

      • You could also rent a place nearby, camp on the land in a tent, bring a small temporary structure/tiny house on wheels (separate process/agreement for this)

    • Must provide your own financing

    • Must be willing to provide and accept honest feedback and have a commitment to nonviolent communication.
       

  • Cost:

    • Work trade is 1 half day (4 hours) per week from March-November (thinning trees, fencing, homestead improvement projects, deliveries, animal chores, etc.).

​

To apply, send us an email. 

​

Application Questions (No need to write formally, feel free to record a video if you’d rather do that)

​

What’s your story?

What enterprise(s) are you interested in starting?

What kinds of ag/practical skills and experience do you have?

What are other gifts/talents/strengths you bring to the table?

What's your strategy for conflict resolution?

​

​

​

bottom of page