For New Farmers
Massachusetts
#203 - Twenty-five acres of land in south-central MA for rent or lease to an experienced farmer: no pesticide or fertilizer has been used for nine years, half is tillable, some level, some sloping. It is currently planted in hay and has access to water in the form of streams that normally run rear round. Half the land is pasture with about seven acres recently fenced with four-strand barbed wire; the fence lines on the other pastures need repair. Owner requests proposal in writing, stating applicant's experience, equipment, time frame, resources and budget, requirements, and proposed compensation to owners.
#222 - Looking for experienced farmer for long-term lease commitment: 3+ acres of historically-farmed sandy loam maintained as open mowed meadow. Adjacent perennial brook for irrigation with good road frontage – have local and state permit approvals. Ideally suited for experienced and capitalized farmer with niche market crop (fruit, berries, annuals, perennials), grazing, wildflowers, haying or CSA. Located in neighborhood setting close to Rte. 2, South Acton MBTA commuter rail stop, and Rte. 495. Reasonable terms offered.
#227 - Approximately 30 acres located in Central Mass. Comprised of 20 tillable acres, 3 pasture, 7 woodland, and a small pond. The current owner has done extensive work stewarding the land, including regular manure applications to the fields, keeping the stone walls free from brush and seedling encroachment, and restoring the mid-1800's barn and its stone foundation. The owner would like to work with a motivated farmer committed to continuing the stewardship of the farm. Enterprise opportunities may include; tree fruits/nuts, small fruits, herbs, flowers, vegetables, greenhouse production, livestock, etc. Owner is interested in developing a plan and gaining assistance through the Farm Viability Program in Massachusetts to establish an enterprise with a prospective partner. To qualify for this program the partner would need to provide agricultural credentials, a passion for stewardship, and a desire to develop a profitable agricultural enterprise. A two-bedroom farmhouse (completely renovated) could possibly be available or potential farmers could locate or build their own housing. Beginning farmers are encouraged to apply. My latest idea is a focus on organic directions as well as agritourism. I believe that for the proper idea - good credentials and hard work - significant and sufficient funding would be available. At this time the availability of funding through the Massachusetts Agricultural Viability program is one of the many keys to this opportunity.
#259 - Hilltop market garden in west-central MA currently with two acres of prepared beds, orchard, small CSA, hoophouse, barn, goats, berries, etc. seeks serious full-time, organic farmer or trainee to collaborate on the development of our farm enterprise. We're looking to share the planning, labor, joy, money and heartaches of our working micro-farm with another serious grower this season and beyond. A teacher/grower, his wife (singer,dancer, and body worker), another couple and seasonal interns live on the homestead.
#266- Ten to fifteen acres of prime agricultural soil, mostly Hadley sand loam, for rent or lease in western MA: the 50-acre farm was previously a dairy and had vegetable and tobacco crops about 50 years ago, then used for hay and grazing for 25 years and hay only for the past twelve years with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides for at least 25 years. Owner has permission and a design to rebuild the barn. The land has significant water resources that are not yet developed: springs, a nearby river, and some shallow wells. There is both private and shared rental space on the site, and possibly a building lot as part of a more comprehensive community venture.
#287 - Half-acre of four-acre farm currently in wheat in western MA available to person willing to improve land growing food crops. Organically-certified parcel near water source includes possible use of chicken coop as well. A 19-room house that can be easily subdivided will be available 9/1/08
#300- Farm manager sought for natural beef operation in Brimfield, MA (central). Beautiful, waterfront farm. The property is fully configured as cattle farm. We are looking for a person or couple who want to work hard for a potential equity position in going concern that includes retail and wholesale sales. Housing provided. Must have good people skills and a passion for farming. Clean driving record required. Previous sales and cattle experience a plus. We are also willing to consider a working partner with present ability to make substantial investment.
#303- Fully-developed organic cranberry operation in eastern MA, certified since 1992, for sale or lease: twenty-three acres includes five in bog and another ten with agricultural potential. A spring-fed river on the property open year-round provides irrigation water. Property includes a two or three-bedroom farmhouse that houses the processing space; a chicken house; and two storage or animal sheds. The operation has all the necessary agricultural and sorting/packaging equipment. A 1,000+-member customer base, both wholesale and retail, has been developed over fifteen years with considerable potential for additional internet sales via a website already in place. Owners wish to sell the whole property, business and bogs only but are willing to consider other options, including staying on as consultants or partners if necessary.
#305- Historic herb and berry farm in east-central MA for lease, rent or farm manager: dating from 1782, it offers 10+ acres of available planting space, ideal for herb and perennial cultivation including pot-in-pot field operations, with farm pond and large double English barn available. Property is on a large primary thoroughfare with easy access to major routes and about 1,000 feet of road frontage. Owner/managers seek to re-create living history aspects of subsistence farming in the 1700s on a small scale, similar to that shown at www.1771.org. Owners would ideally like to team the LLC with one or more 501c3 non-profit organizations to promote education of sustainable farming practices, past, present and future.
#308- About four acres of land in western MA for lease or rent: former pastureland, pesticide-free, the land has been mowed twice a year. There is a small barn, access to town water, and a tractor is available. The owner is flexible about use and financial arrangements, e.g. would consider barter.
#310- Small field in western MA offered to organic farmer in exchange for share in the produce in multi-year agreement: 3-4 flat acres has been brush-hogged yearly but not actively used for at least 15 years. There is dirt-road access to a numbered route and possible domestic well water. Owner owns surrounding 16 acres and may be willing to discuss larger land use; he keeps beehives and maintains a small stand of apple trees and blueberry bushes about 100 yards from the field.
#314 - Farmland for immediate sale in western MA: about 44 acres, of which about 10-14 are currently in transition to organic, include a stream, small brooks, and part of an old beaver pond; some additional acres have become overgrown with brush and small trees, but are reclaimable; balance of land is wooded and in wetlands, with timber harvesting possible. Land is under a 1988 APR, which includes the right for the new owner to petition to construct a dwelling and farm structures under certain restrictions, and is located within minutes of a good-sized town, and is close to major highways. Owner seeks experienced farmer with a history of farming, and a viable farm plan. To apply successfully to erect a dwelling, owner must demonstrate the necessity to be on-site 24/7.
#326 - Land for lease in Groton, MA: ten acres; seven in fenced pasture, one in fenced vegetable garden, one in fenced chicken-yard, one containing ten-room house and yard, 1/4 acre pond, 1,000' stream/swamp frontage with three fish weirs, all near major routes and population centers. Land currently hosts organic community garden and 45-bird egg cooperative. House is newly-renovated 3,400 sq ft, three-bedroom, two-bath, with solar heat, wood stoves and gas-fired boiler. A new barn is to be built with lessee input.
#331- Land trust in south-central MA (Grafton) offers all or part of 25 acres for long-term agricultural lease. The project will preferably feature a Community Supported Agriculture component but could include other uses as well, such as animal husbandry . The land, tested through Mass. Extension, slopes toward the northeast and consists of several fields and bordering woods with high water table but good drainage; one five-acre field is adjacent to a road with a 30’x 60’ farm shed, electricity, and parking, all part of a dairy operation until about ten years ago. Rental housing may be available nearby through the land trust, owner of several units. Grafton is currently without a CSA but the former membership list is available. There are several successful ones with waiting lists in neighboring towns.
#332- Forty acres of upland in Northfield, MA within state forest for immediate sale: includes open-floor-plan house with root cellar and small attached greenhouse, two small outbuildings, small barn with independent lighting and stalls, some electric fencing. Land, suitable for nut trees, berries and pasturage, currently has large high-quality garden plot, six Dexter cows and guinea flock. Property is off-grid with solar electric, drilled well for the house and dug well for livestock.
#335- About ten acres of land for rent or lease in Mill River, MA (Berkshire County): in several parcels with small orchard sprayed only organically, currently producing superior quality blueberries, pears, and apples, with heirloom apple trees in surrounding fields that could be reclaimed. Unused land is suitable for tree fruits, berries, vegetable crops, or pastured poultry or swine (if protected). There is a one-acre runoff pond, two shallow wells, a seasonal stream, and a barn (needing work) suitable for equipment storage, with electricity currently available through main house. Owner is interested in continuing to develop the property organically and sustainably, and is willing to address infrastructure needs including separate electric supply, perimeter and/or moveable electric fencing and surface piping for future irrigation (unnecessary for current crop area). There is the potential to expand the rented area or develop a long-term lease if the initial enterprise is successful.
#339 - Three acres of chemical-free hayland in Sandisfield, MA (southwest) available for labor exchange: owner seeks help with present raised-bed organic enterprise in exchange for the use of the land and temporary occupation of an on-site private room and bath . There is a well and a pond for irrigation. Farm is about two miles from a state highway. Owner is very flexible about possible arrangements.
#348 - Farm for immediate sale or lease in Arlington, VT (southwestern): seven acres of open meadowland with river frontage, prime land with excellent soils, access, and available water; includes farm house, barn with loft, studio and office/showroom space on well-travelled road. Land or buildings can be dealt with separately if necessary.
#353 - About 50A for lease to organic farmer in Plainfield, MA (western): about 10A in woodland and 40A in hay, not certified organic but no chemicals or pesticides have been used in over 25 years. There is a small, year-round stream and a covered well whose current condition is unknown. Owner is hoping to lease but is open to alternative arrangements as well.
#355 - Very private farm property in South Worthington, MA (western) for sale: 38A, of which about 9A have 1500 pick-your-own blueberry bushes in a business established for over twenty years. All except 5A surrounding house and buildings are in land conservancy, and all except 2A qualify for Chapter 61A. Buildings include a newly-painted three-bedroom farmhouse with new well and septic system, with connected studio and three-level barn including seven horse stalls, tack and feed room, large hay loft and chicken coop. There are five large turn-out fields with one run-in shed for two fields, and a large sand arena. There are several perennial gardens and fruit trees, and an additional cottage on a pond.
#362 - Farm for rent in Shelburne, MA (western): of 88 acres, five are cultivatable, 3/4 are currently used, the rest is forested. The currently-cultivated land is in raised beds, well-amended and organic, not well-weeded in 2009, with drip irrigation from house 200 ft. away, and supported a fifteen-family CSA in 2008. There is a root cellar in the house, and two unheated 20’X30’greenhouses. There is an apartment for rent with four bedrooms, two baths, wood-heated with passive solar, wood floors and big windows. Farm is surrounded by beautiful land with wetlands, hiking trails and woods and has potential for vegetable and fruit production, dairy and eggs – owners would prefer no meat-raising
#363 - Farm in Easton, MA (southeastern) for lease: of 7.4 acres total, 4.4 are cultivatable; .5 on farm, 1.6 and 2.3 on abutting properties, formerly used to grow strawberries, vegetables and potatoes. Buildings include a two-bedroom Cape; a 300+sq ft workshop; an 870 sq ft barn with concrete floor; a three-bay, ca 1200 sq ft equipment shed with concrete floor, 900+ sq ft outbuilding with stalls; and a small milk shed off the rear of the dwelling; all structurally sound but in need of maintenance, for which an adjustment in the cost of the lease will be made. The property is owned by the town conservation commission, which is interested in the “rehabilitation, re-use and mantenance of the structures and grounds”, particularly in restoring the agricultural use. An open house will be held on January 4th for those interested in inspecting the property.
#366 - Farm for sale or lease in Northampton, MA (western): seven acres of which five+ are tillable with 4500 sq ft of storage in three barns with electricity and a garage, and a well point available; there is nearby rentable land as well. There is a newly-redone, 2400 sq ft farm house with two decks and a landscaped yard. All within walking distance of good-sized town with many restaurants, and near major highway. Asking $575,000.
#368 - Ongoing berry farm in Ashfield, MA (western) seeks farm partners: for five years the owners have been restoring this property, consisting of 50 acres of old fields, ponds, wetlands and woods, as a working berry farm. There are many native high bush blueberries under restoration, a new 72’ high tunnel greenhouse geared to niche crops for farmers’ markets, and the owners keep bees for use in value-added berry products processed off-site. There is a large farmhouse, outbuildings and the potential for two more small house sites. The owners seek two to five mature additional partners capable of an initial investment, and having a passion for outdoor work and play.
