Farmer Profile for Kelly Powers

Experience

Please describe your past and/or present farming experience:

I have 20 years of farming experience. I got my start in NW Montana on an Organic Vegetable farm. I traveled to New Zealand and learned all things sheep and wool. From New Zealand, I went to England to work on a Biodynamic farm and continued my study of livestock production. From there I came back to my childhood home in Ohio to be with my family. I worked for Cleveland Crops, growing vegetables in the city and working with adults with developmental disabilities. After 4 years of that I got a job at the Trapp Family Farm in Peninsula Ohio. I now own and operate Powers Acres. I lease land from Susan Schmidt of Schmidt Family Farms. I raise a herd of Icelandic sheep for meat, wool and hides and am working towards opening a fiber mill.We also raise chickens for meat and eggs, turkeys and small scale specialty produce.

Are you currently farming?:

Yes

Are you interested in connecting with other farmers to explore collocation or collaborative farm ideas?:

Yes

Enterprises

What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?:

Sheep

What other enterprises are you considering?:

Apple/Fruit
Berries
Poultry
Woodlot

The Land

Total Acres Desired:

15.0

Acres in Pasture:

10.0

Organic:

Yes

Infrastructure

Desired Infrastructure & Equipment Needed:

Water Access
Barn(s) and/or Shed(s)
Farmer Housing
Equipment and Machinery
Fencing
Electrical Access

Farmhouse Needed:

Doesn't matter

Tenure Arrangement

Tenure Arrangement Considered:

Lease with Option to Buy
Long-Term Lease
Work to Own

Maximum monthly rent you are willing/able to pay:

$750

Have you been qualified by a lending institution? (if applicable):

No