Farmhouse essay contest

Randy Silver and Carolyn Barry are giving away their Rock Spring Farm because they can no longer care for it themselves. Not only will an essay contest allow them to handpick who gets their farm, they’re hoping to raise enough money through entry fees to be able to retire comfortably and also start a fund for their grandchildren’s education.

How to apply: Submit an essay of 200 words or less on the theme, “Why I would like to own and operate a Country Inn.”

How to apply: Submit an essay of 1,000 words or less “describing your desire to live in a rural area and own a hobby farm.” (If you postmark your essay on or before July 1st, it can be up to 2,000 words.) Silver and Barry will choose their top 25 essays, which will go on to a panel of judges for final determination.

If you’d rather work with animals than people, check out Leslie and Paul Spell’s contest to give away their goat farm, Humble Heart Goat Dairy & Creamery. The Spells tried the traditional route of selling the farm, but they found buyers who seemed the most passionate didn’t have the funds to afford the asking price.