As owner and operator of Sterling Farm, Jon brings small-scale farming experience and passion to the Horn Farm Center as the Incubator Farms Project Manager.

Just beyond the pole barn lies ten acres of land dedicated to the current incubator farmers. This side-by-side farming exposes the growers to various sustainable growing methods. On an average day, one may see farmers working the soil, pulling weeds, or harvesting crops. What’s not visible is the behind the scenes work – the business side of farming.

The Incubator Farms Project nurtures farmers by helping them develop a business plan, creating a marketing strategy, and discussing the ins-and-outs of running a small-scale farm. Then the project provides each farmer with affordable land, infrastructure, and farm equipment – things that would typically be cost-prohibitive during the first few years of farming. Providing a safe environment allows farmers to flourish while designing, building, and running a small business.

“I have the network of the Horn Farm to help promote what I’m doing. I have other farmers I can learn from. I have the ability to bring people out to the farm for educational classes like the foraging classes,” Jon explained. “The community, camaraderie, and commiserating with other farmers has been invaluable.”

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