Countryside Conservancy

Here's an article that was on WKYC website on the Countryside Conservancy, a program in NE Ohio that matches people who have arable land with people who want to farm. We've been in the program for about 6 months, and have yet to find the perfect farmer for our land - but we keep hoping!

"Bill Takacs has been riding on tractors since he was just a child on the family farm in Geauga County. Now, the 75-year-old is thinking about retiring from the farm in Bainbridge, Ohio. However, none of his children are interested in taking over. "It's the trend," said Takacs. "None of the kids, my kids or anybody else's kids, wants to take over the farms anymore. It's sad but everybody is leaving." In nearby Burton, Elyse Perruchon works as an environmental consultant. She's always wanted to trade in her desk job for life on the farm. "I don't mind getting my hands dirty," said Perruchon. "I know it will be a big learning process." Elyse's roommate, Stephanie Privison, is ready to move to the country as well. Said Privison, "There's plenty of people who would say that taking up farming is ridiculous. But I happen to think it's very cool." In just a few weeks, the two women will be moving onto the Takacs farm. Perruchon and Privison are part of a new "matchmaking" program sponsored by the Countryside Conservancy. The group is dedicated to protecting farmland and growing a healthy local food economy. The advocacy organization sponsored a FarmLink" speed dating workshop in May, where the goal was land, not love. ..." for the rest of the article, go here.