Starting up...

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

Hi all, we're new here and looking for some advice. Thank you all in advance that are offering their knowledge We are looking at setting up our own farm that is open to the public. We are looking at having your usual farm animals, specializing in Alpacas and Jersey cows (Luke has been a dairy farmer for over 10 years and owns some Jerseys, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks etc) We are looking at having a unique selling point... 3 cabins on site, to house homeless ex veterans. We are going to be providing their accommodation in return for their labor on our farm. We will help to re integrate them into society and give them a fixed abode to get back on their feet. I am currently a supervising officer in one of the highest security prisons across the country and have a great interest in rehabilitation. The only problem is that we have no capital...we are looking for investors/land owners etc to help get us off the ground. We have approached a few charities and are awaiting the possibility of one being able to help. We are reaching out and looking for any advice/signposting from you pro's as to what to do next. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[delilah]

Reading that you're probably onto this already ?

https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/knowledge-base/article/what-care-farming

 

[Highland Mule]

Hi all, we're new here and looking for some advice. Thank you all in advance that are offering their knowledge We are looking at setting up our own farm that is open to the public. We are looking at having your usual farm animals, specializing in Alpacas and Jersey cows (Luke has been a dairy farmer for over 10 years and owns some Jerseys, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks etc) We are looking at having a unique selling point... 3 cabins on site, to house homeless ex veterans. We are going to be providing their accommodation in return for their labor on our farm. We will help to re integrate them into society and give them a fixed abode to get back on their feet. I am currently a supervising officer in one of the highest security prisons across the country and have a great interest in rehabilitation. The only problem is that we have no capital...we are looking for investors/land owners etc to help get us off the ground. We have approached a few charities and are awaiting the possibility of one being able to help. We are reaching out and looking for any advice/signposting from you pro's as to what to do next. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!

Interesting first post. Where abouts in Europe are you based? Strange to be using american phraseology and spelling this side of the water...

 

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

Hi all, we're new here and looking for some advice. Thank you all in advance that are offering their knowledge We are looking at setting up our own farm that is open to the public. We are looking at having your usual farm animals, specializing in Alpacas and Jersey cows (Luke has been a dairy farmer for over 10 years and owns some Jerseys, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks etc) We are looking at having a unique selling point... 3 cabins on site, to house homeless ex veterans. We are going to be providing their accommodation in return for their labor on our farm. We will help to re integrate them into society and give them a fixed abode to get back on their feet. I am currently a supervising officer in one of the highest security prisons across the country and have a great interest in rehabilitation. The only problem is that we have no capital...we are looking for investors/land owners etc to help get us off the ground. We have approached a few charities and are awaiting the possibility of one being able to help. We are reaching out and looking for any advice/signposting from you pro's as to what to do next. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

Interesting first post. Where abouts in Europe are you based? Strange to be using american phraseology and spelling this side of the water...

Hi, thank you for your reply. American phraseology? We're in Surrey (UK) Can you be of help in any way? Advice etc?

 

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

Reading that you're probably onto this already ?

https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/knowledge-base/article/what-care-farming

Thank you for your reply Delilah, we haven't seen this site no, thank you again, I'll have a look over it now.

 

[Highland Mule]

Hi, thank you for your reply. American phraseology? We're in Surrey (UK) Can you be of help in any way? Advice etc?

I'm too far away to be of any help, sorry. Not sure I approve of this sort of thing anyway, if I'm 100% honest. Whilst you may be doing it for the best of reasons, it read to me that you are scrounging funds and assets to help you support an aspirational lifestyle that plenty of us have grafted for years to achieve.

As for the basis of my question - "labor" raised my initial curiosity, but some of the other wording suggested a foreign origin (since when have alpaca been 'usual farm animals' in the UK)?

What's an ex veteran ?

But best of luck to you.

 

[curlietailz]

How about giving a grant/subsidy to existing farmers to take on a Veteran.

solve the agricultural labour shortage

Give veterans some skills in farming and some support

get subsidised farm labour whilst training them

job solved

 

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

I'm too far away to be of any help, sorry. Not sure I approve of this sort of thing anyway, if I'm 100% honest. Whilst you may be doing it for the best of reasons, it read to me that you are scrounging funds and assets to help you support an aspirational lifestyle that plenty of us have grafted for years to achieve.

As for the basis of my question - "labor" raised my initial curiosity, but some of the other wording suggested a foreign origin (since when have alpaca been 'usual farm animals' in the UK)?

What's an ex veteran ?

But best of luck to you.

Hi Highland Mule,

Thank you for your opinion, it's much appreciated (good and bad are welcomed and make the world go round ) We do understand that not everyone will agree, one cannot please all and you're entitled to your views (as are vegans! )

In response to your concerns, it is not about giving ourselves a 'millionaire lifestyle.' Our children are raised to earn their own living through hard work, even at their young ages. We have extremely strong work ethics. It is about giving back to the veterans that have put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom (please google the term ex veteran for more info, it will explain it easier for you than I probably can.)

For us, this would be about setting up a family business that can be passed down to our children for them to carry on the hard work and good we will have built. It's also not meant to come across like we are looking solely for funding, this could be entirely owned by a company/individual until we are in a position to pay for it ourselves. We are 100% NOT about begging for handouts, we are simply searching for someone to believe in what we are looking to achieve and help get us off the ground. At present we both work 40+ hours in extremely demanding jobs. This is our dream that we feel would make a difference and help people to turn their lives around. Cliche I know, but it is true.

I hope this clarifies some of your concerns, please do come back to me if you have anymore questions and I'd be happy to chat.

Take care

 

[Saviours Farm and Rescue]

How about giving a grant/subsidy to existing farmers to take on a Veteran.

solve the agricultural labour shortage

Give veterans some skills in farming and some support

get subsidised farm labour whilst training them

job solved

Hi!

We would love to be in a position to do this, however, we both currently work 40+ hours per week and have no equity or capital.

Hence, we want to start something ongoing to help alleviate homelessness and ex veterans with PTSD, along with other issues.

When we are established and up and running, a large percentage would go directly to these charities. It is a subject we are both extremely passionate about.

Thank you again for your message.

Take care