potential land opportunity in texas

This has come to us by way of another organization. The original message is pasted below.  If you’re in Texas, and looking for land, read on! It would take some legwork, but could be well worth your while.

A man named John Shewmaker called me a few weeks ago (out of the blue).   He has 170 acres of land (fronting I-35, 10-12 miles north of Georgetown in Bell County) that he would like to rent at low cost to a co-op or nonprofit on a 50+ year term.  That nonprofit would then partition the land (not legally, but physically) into plots for organic farmers/ demonstration gardens/ farm incubation/ a school farm, and/or to other entities producing or promoting sustainable agriculture.  Currently, the land is mostly pasture; part is producing grain for livestock.  As far as I gathered, the land doesn’t have too much in the way of farm infrastructure or irrigation.

John seems confident in his ability to raise significant money for this project, but is retired and said that he would not be involved in operations.  He spoke flexibly about the terms of this long-term lease and the specific end use of the land, except that he wants it to be used sustainably and benefit as many people as possible.   As a first step, he would like to have a meeting with 4-10 people who may be stakeholders in this project, and see if there is any traction.  This is all the information I have, so please feel free to contact/coordinate with him directly if you’re interested.

I have not visited the land and have no personal experience with John outside of this phone call.  I told him that I would spread the word, based on the merit of his idea.

For more information, please contact John Shewmaker:
202-427-7601
jtshew@yahoo.com

connecticut farmland available !

Five acres of beautiful, prime farm land available for an experienced
vegetable farmer to use without rent in exchange for a small portion
of the crop. Formerly used for grazing grass-fed sheep, the soil is
rated 29A (prime farmland) by the NRCS. Land includes electric
fencing, barn, drip irrigation equipment, access to a tractor as well
as other implements. Produce must be grown sustainably, using organic
methods wherever possible. Owner can supply assistance in marketing to
restaurants, farm markets, CSA’s, etc. and possibly some financing to
help you get started. Long term arrangement prefered. This farm is
located in a lovely small town along the Connecticut shoreline with
inexpensive housing available nearby. Contact Bill at
Upperpondfarm@gmail.com

more land access resources

If you are looking for land or have land to offer…

Check out these three new publications focused on farmland access and transfer:  

• This guide assists senior farmers who don’t have a successor lined up to take over the farm.
• This guide helps next generation farmers get the farm transfer process going on their family farm operation.
• This guide is for service providers who work–or who would like to work–with transitioning farm families.

These unique publications help senior and junior farming generations get the farm succession process going, from setting goals to understanding legal and financial terms used in farmland and business transfers. They are also valuable resources for service providers who work with these audiences.

land in maryland needs a farmer

Farmer needed for land located 8 miles outside Washington, DC, in Montgomery County,MD.

Historic property on 2 acres has two existing organic, fenced gardens; smokehouse and root cellar—plus enough additional sunny space to create hoop gardens or greenhouse.  Will rent or barter to interested party.

rfp in california sierra foothills

The American River Conservancy is looking for farmers and/or partners to submit quality proposals to lease portions of the Historic Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Farm (aka “Gold Hill Ranch”) in the foothills of El Dorado County.  Attached you will find the official RFP and map of the areas we are seeking to lease.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The American River Conservancy, a non-profit conservation organization, seeks one or more partners to develop portions of an historic farm into a destination, agricultural tourism enterprise.   Selected partner(s) would lease farm acreage and/or buildings, make capital improvements, and operate business enterprises consistent with protecting the site’s cultural, natural and agricultural resources.   The selected partner would work with the ARC to market activities, host a variety of events, and grow agricultural products for sale.  The farmhouse, garden and barn may be suitable for an event center or restaurant.  Suitable agricultural production may include vineyards, orchards or livestock production.  Ultimately, the goal of all agricultural production on the farm is to become certified organic.

Questions or requests to tour the Wakamatsu Farm property may be directed to either Alan Ehrgott or Elena DeLacy at (530) 295-2190. Scheduled Tours of the Wakamatsu Farm Property will be held on Feb. 23, March 2nd and March 16^th from 9am-12 noon.  Additional information regarding the history of the farm may be obtained through the following URL: www.arconservancy.org/wakamatsu

PDF Link: Larger Wakamatsu Farm RFP

local food + land trusts

“Local Food a Growing Trend for Land Trusts”
By Erik Hoffner / February 2013
Grist guest contributor 

When a land trust in Grayslake, Illinois, made a strategic decision in 2005 to include farmland in its list of property types to preserve, it joined scores of traditional ‘woods and waters’ trusts across the U.S. which are increasingly preserving agricultural lands and building local food systems.While it made sense strategically, since much of the county’s remaining forested and open land has already been conserved, it was also right on mission for Conserve Lake County (CLC). As they got into it, the CLC leadership realized that they didn’t want to convert purchased farms to natural uses, though, but rather to keep them in farming.

land listing from Trustees of Reservation, early enlightened conservationists

The Trustees of Reservations Seeks Proposals for Farmland

The Trustees, a statewide non-profit land trust, is seeking farmer proposals for up to 8 acres of land in Ashfield, MA.  The land is non-contiguous, a mix of rolling and flat, accessible by public roads, probably most suitable for animals.  There is a large barn available for storage, washing station, CSA pickup, etc. and there is irrigation available.  There is no on-site farmer housing.  The Trustees are seeking a farmer with a business plan who wants to run their own operation in partnership with The Trustees.  There is no fee for the land.  Send proposals or questions to Ellie at elobovits@ttor.org
For more information about the Trustees go to www.thetrustees.org

land opportunity, CA

We seek a farmer-entrepreneur to assume full or partial responsibility for a 4-acre property surrounded by nature preserve west of Galt, California, in the heart of the Central Valley. The farm has well-developed soil (San Joaquin clay-loam), a large native insectivary, excellent water and solar irrigation infrastructure, and a high profile with local restaurants and caterers. Potential directions include CSA, expanded restaurant sales, and farmers’ markets. Short term and long term business arrangements open to discussion and include salary and/or profit-share. Property includes all necessary equipment for production, including greenhouse. Owners have 10 years of experience with site-specific growing conditions which they look forward to sharing; the property is a very active “WWOOF” site.

The opportunity is posted with California Farmlink (id. #942) and interested parties should respond to that post, which can be viewed here.

VT land opportunity

100 acres of open farmland for lease, and pole barn. Also, enclosed barn (optional) with electric and water for rent. A 5,200 sf residence also available for lease (in-part of in full). Private entranced 800 sf space that formerly housed a Healing Center.

Location: Benson, on West Haven line, Rutland County

Tenure Arrangements Offered:
Partnership with preferably an organic farmer to lease land with or without housing. Also open to additional housing 500 sf or under to be built or extension of less than 900 sf (no permits required in Benson)

Other: The soil is clay and suitable to start and nurture vineyards. There has been much interest and success in grape growing in Benson. The land has been hayed for decades: no crops have been planted within last ten years. We would be most interested in organic farmers for this property.

mapping/reclaiming vacant lots in NYC

we always dig swanky mapping tools — so we were pretty darn excited to hear about the good work of 596 Acres — an organization in NYC helping neighbors form connections to the vacant public lots in their lives.

Hundreds of acres of vacant public land exist in New York City, hidden in plain sight behind chain-link fences in neighborhoods where green space and other public amenities are scarce. We are building the tools for communities to get the keys legally and unlock all these rusty gates—and the opportunities within them. These include:

(1) making municipal information available through an online interactive map;

(2) placing signs on vacant public land that explain each lot’s status and steps that the community can take in order to be able to use this land;

(3) visioning sessions for education about public land holdings by invitation from community groups;

(4) engaging the community when an interested potential leader reaches out; and

(5) direct advocacy with New York City agencies.

get involved!

vineyard and home for sale, oroville, washington

Custom three level home, tasting cabin, and vineyards on 4 1/2 acres. Ten yr old Vines (Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Cab Franc. Production 6 to 8 tons.

Three bay garage with two converted into wine storage. All equipment included (2 tractors, mowers, vineyard sprayer, weed sprayer, fertilizer spreader, and more including older Ford PU and trailers, (3) 1000 litre Stainless Tanks, (3) 500 litre Stainless Tanks, 20 American Oak Barrels. Owners are retiring.   For more information: http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/reo/3201066348.html

seeking organic farmer in washington state

via Tilth Producers

Michelle Coda owns a 23 acre piece of property in the Upper Skagit River Valley in Washington State and would like to have someone live on the property and farm it organically. It is a beautiful location with 900 feet of river-front, views of Sauk Mountain, and Mount Baker, with flat, sandy loam soil. Three and a half acres bordering the Skagit River are in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and planted in native trees and shrubs. Approximately seven acres are wooded and two other acres are covered in buildings and roadways. That leaves about ten acres available for farming. Fruit and nut trees were planted in the spring of 2009 and there are a few older, producing fruit trees.

This is intended to be an opportunity for someone who would like to have their own small farm business. I would like to see an organic farming operation that produces mixed vegetables, fruit, and meat and be as self sustaining as possible.

There is a small, one bedroom, newly built home available on the property for your use.

If this lifestyle interests you and you would like further information please contact Michelle at 360-853-8549 or eaglesoaring808 at yahoo.com

 

want to run a goat dairy? washington

Organic Farm Business for Lease
Sunny Pine Farm in Twisp, WA is an organic goat dairy milking 50-55 goats.  There is an established market for cheese and yogurt.  This is a great business opportunity for the right couple.  Goat dairy management experience is required.
Please send resume to info@sunnypinefarm.com

land opportunity in greeley, colorado

Including the potential to take over a growing CSA Operation. Coming to us from Claire Boyles, Boyles Family Farm.

We have 16 (or so, survey pending) acres with irrigation water rights for sale in rural Greeley, Colorado for $110,000 pending approval of recorded exemption at the county office. There is a possibility for a farmer who purchases this to take over our established and growing 35 member vegetable CSA. The land has a building site with views of the Rocky Mountains,  a 3 acre growing site with buried drip irrigation t-tape already installed, is 1/2 mile from the town of Gill, Colorado and only 8 miles from the city of Greeley. Interested parties can view the listing at: http://www.orrland.com/details.php and should call Trevor Thiel at Orr Land, (970) 351-8777 or (970) 978-0800.