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Reference#: 150

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87022

Type of opportunity sought: I am looking for an internship or mentorship position with an existing farmer. I am a new farmer and would like technical assistance from a more experienced farmer.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full time, as a hobby, or as a part-time job.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, poultry/fowl, goats/sheep, cattle (dairy), and potbelly pigs.

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic, not necessarily certified organic, but implementing natural/organic practices as much as possible.

Background in farming: I have limited farming experience, but I am interested in learning more.

Training and education: General college degree and volunteer experience with the farm manager at Los Poblano Historic Inn.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: General apprenticeship to learn agricultural/farming skills and techniques.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Business Plan: I need help developing a business plan or finding markets for my products.

Other Information: I have a bachelor's degree in business administration, and I'm pursuing a second bachelor's degree in nursing. My family has property in Isleta and the land is cultivated for alfalfa. My grandfather had an apple orchard and as of 13 years ago, the orchard was abandoned and the trees no longer produce apples. I have the ambition to one day uproot all of the dead trees and plant new apple trees. I don't have any formal training in farming or raising animals, but I am beginning the process on a small scale. My interest and appreciation for self-sustainable practices has fueled my interest in wanting to plant vegetables, raise animals and revitalize the apple orchard. My grandparents and the many generations before them lived off of the land because it was the way of life and it connected to them to the earth. In my life, I would like to incorporate that tradition and way of thought. I have an intense eagerness and interest to learn as much as I can about farming.

Listing Date: October 14, 2011