Mike B

Counties of interest

Sanders

Planned Operation

Vegetable, Fruit/Orchard, Other

Check all experience and education that apply to you and your farming partners

Agriculture-related college degree, Farm/Crop management (3 years or less), Other experience/license/agriculture or business training

Other experience/license/agriculture or business training:

Biochar (carbon soil amendment) production and processing

Land Tenure

Cropshare, Lease, Open to other arrangements

Briefly describe your current occupation(s) and responsibilities and list previous agricultural employment and experiences. If you are currently farming or ranching, please state the size, type(s), and location of the operation.

I do research into regenerative agriculture for a foundation. I currently make biochar from peach and cherry tree prunings at an orchard site. I have a Master's Degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) from New Mexico State University and have worked as a laborer on organic farms in California.

Acreage

1-5

Farming Practices

Organic

Please elaborate on the type(s) of agricultural operation you plan on running.

I plant to plant vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, kale, onions, carrots, beets, and garlic on small acreage (0.5 to 1 acre). I would also like to start a small tree nursery. However, my main business focus will be producing biochar (carbonized biomass) from tree and crop waste. Biochar is a carbon-based soil amendment that has been shown to increase crop yield by 15-30%. I will make the biochar in open-air conical kilns that are very contained and produce little to no smoke when operating. The biochar will be processed (ground and combined with nutrient/minerals and organics like compost) and bagged for sale. I will apply biochar to the crop field and tree containers to increase yields and to demonstrate its benefits.

If you are interested in another type of business arrangement, please explain

I'm interested in a crop share agreement or a lease agreement.

Please elaborate on the kind of additional training/information that would help you:

Exploring potential markets for biochar and vegetable/tree crops. Obtaining organic certification.