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Greetings,
As we head into winter there a number of things in place which will continue to gestate in preparation for a momentous 2010.
The team is active and primed. Stephanie and Colby are living on site and continue to prepare the barn area and clean-up the land. Hannah has planted winter garlic and is actively planning for next years' comprehensive agricultural program including a farm stand at the barn, farmers markets and outreach and a CSA. Erika is getting involved with program development and brings a passion for natural building and holistic sustainable living.
For the winter: We are preparing business plans for a few enterprises in order to raise the capital to further the cause.
Agriculture is the primary business which is being lead by Hannah with input from Allen Mathews, and other consultants. This will be Hannah's business which serves as a foundation for our emerging community. Agricultural funds will be solicited for green houses, well development and fruit tree and berry planting. Hannah plans on buying a tractor for next season, which will facilitate a larger scale of activity.
Hospitality and education will begin on a primitive scale next year. We need funds for infrastructure such as tent pads and tents or yurts, bath and kitchen development and natural building projects. Our first task is to establish the curriculum goals in the next 30 days. I will provide a capital budget with our wish list. We will be able to move forward on this on a shoe string although ideally we can raise some significant funds for the project. While we will not have a commercial hospitality program next year we can have an intern program to support people who want to work, learn and participate in the project.
Food and celebration will be a core aspect of our development. We are planning some feast in the field farm side dining events. Colby, who is passionate about his cooking profession, is looking into brick oven bread baking as an ongoing business. We are also planning on some small scale animal husbandry such as chickens, hogs and goats for cheese making. Erika has put forth her ideas and energy for a larger scale festival day for building community and perhaps some fund raising.
Energy:
We are in the process of putting together comprehensive designs and budgets for solar energy on the existing structures. Energy efficiency and alternative production is being factored into all of our new designs
Education:
Next year we are in a position to hold classes in natural building, organic agriculture and nutrition and wellness
Design:
We are engaged in design of a couple of model homes as well as natural cottages some of which we can construct next year. We will also continue to develop the barn center design including the health and wellness facility and bath house. We will find a team permaculturist to direct that design as we steward the land work on edible landscaping
Next steps:
I will initiate a draft curriculum for review and development of our schedule for teaching. I am working on our various business plans to bring our fundraising presentation to the next level. We will look for small scale funds to seed our projects as well as larger amounts from foundations and investors to manifest the program.
The team will provide their individual biographies for our presentation, participate in the fundraising for their individual area of interest and continue the development work of their area. Networking is an ongoing process for all of us as we bring in more colleagues an residences.
The permit:
We are working with Mike Buscher to obtain final platt approval from the town. We then can take our time to complete the state act 250 permit process as we assess the market demand for lots here.
In conclusion:
While the overall economy is stagnant, and demand in general non-existent in Brandon, there is an appetite for the lifestyle promised by Neshobe Farm. We will continue to grow organically from the ground up the the co-creators which are drawn to the land and the vision.
Be well,
Chuck
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