Hello, my name is Elena, owner of Cactus Hill Farm Fiber. I help raise grass-fed lamb, wool products, organic hay, and specialty grains on our generational farm established in 1867. For more information please visit my website www.cactushillfarm.com

I have been dreaming for years of offering my farm as more of a space for education and sharing knowledge to inspire the next generation of farmers. When I was getting into farming, there was so much to learn, and I always relished the opportunity to learn from others. Although I can humbly say there is much I do not know, I would be honored to create a community of learning about animal husbandry and raising crops in our unique climate and altitude. To begin the process of creating farm-based, hands-on learning opportunities, I would like to start by having interns or paid interns on the farm to learn. This would also help our farm have more support in busy times such as when baby lambs are being born or when crops are planted. We live in such a rural area it can be hard for people to commute so far and especially when animals need a lot of tending it would be ideal if these workers could live on the farm. These interns would either be acquired through a vetting process or preferably in partnership with the Quivera Coalition New Agrarian Program. https://quiviracoalition.org/newagrarian/

Last year I found this adorable little tiny house just sitting in a neighboring farmer's field. It needs some serious work such as a new roof, new siding, new flooring, and other details. Most importantly it would be wonderful for it to have a small solar system so that it can produce its own electricity and a gray water system to recycle water that could then be used on the garden. It will be perfect for at least one or more interns to live comfortably and can be a wonderful place for farm visitors when not in use by interns.

I have already done quite a bit of work such as digging a water line and connecting it to electricity. It now has a new insulated skirting, and I am currently reflooring it as the old floor was so full of mice droppings. Unfortunately, the costs of materials have been high and I have struggled to finish the project.

Here is a general estimate of the items still needed to make this tiny house a comfortable living space for one or more interns. As you can see, I have not asked for the total amount as I plan to invest and have already invested much of my own money. I also applied for and received a small grant from the National Young Farmers Coalition. I feel these prices are still very reasonable as building a structure from the ground up would still include these costs, plus additional ones for the building.

· New Siding - $1000

· A small solar system - $4000

· Septic system and greywater recycling - $6000?

· Roofing and skirting - $1500

· Flooring - $700

· Electrical and water lines - $1200

· Deck and awning-$1500

· Furnishings - $500

I will appreciate your donation and I guarantee each dollar will be spent wisely. I am excited for the opportunity to open my farm up for more community involvement. If you donate to this campaign, I can offer a small thank you in return. The thank you is as follows:

-Gift of $0-100 a written thank you from me and a happy feeling you helped a hard-working farm girl to share some knowledge with the world.

-Gift of $100-300 a skein of Cactus Hill Farm Yarn. Enough to make a hat!

-Gift of $300+ a naturally tanned sheep pelt.