Massachusetts

#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 three 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 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.

#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, one mile off major highway and two miles from Cape Cod.  A spring-fed river on the property open year-round provides irrigation water.  Property includes a two or three-bedroom farmhouse with a water view 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 for a short period.

#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 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.

#314 - Certified organic farmland for immediate sale in western MA: about 44A, of which 10-14A are currently being farmed. Fields 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.  Location: within minutes of a good-sized college town and major highways.

#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.

#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 $525,000.

#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 72’ high tunnel greenhouse geared to niche crops for farmers’ markets. The owner keeps bees for use in value-added berry products processed in her farm kitchen, and in 2012, a separate processing facility on the farm, which includes retail space for her products and a visitor demonstration area.   She is also exploring co-housing (up to three off-the-grid, small-footprint duplexes) for up to twelve people who would own their units and hold the land and farmhouse in common. While she hopes the buyers would share her passion for sustainable agriculture, they would not have to actively participate in day-to-day farm operations.  She has site plans started and perc tests approved.#373 - Horse facility in Seekonk, MA for sale: 20A includes two barns, one with twenty stalls, the other with 40 stalls and a 300'X300' indoor riding rink attached, a two-family house, and a .5A pond. There is good access to major highways, and lodging nearby.

#387 -Established farm in Rehoboth, MA seeks farm manager: looking for those who have farming experience and seek an opportunity to learn about managing a CSA farm but are not ready, or are unable, to procure their own land.  The manager would be responsible for the 5A of CSA land, currently 2A in vegetables and the rest in pasture for meat chickens and hogs. There is a strong and established internship program, and an established CSA and restaurant customer base. The current manager would stay through July to help establish the season.  The incoming manager would be supported by the landowner, previous manager and have access to the necessary land, tools, and other resources, as well as housing.

. #388 - Attention Sustainable Farmers and Farm Education Programs:  The non-profit organization, Grow Food Northampton, will lease up to 67 acres of prime farmland in Florence, MA for fall 2011 and/or early 2012 to farmers who share our vision of sustainable community farming. Our vision for the land includes: food production using organic practices for local markets, educational opportunities such as farm camps or school programs, and a high level of community engagement. We are looking for operations that complement our existing vegetable CSA farm, Crimson and Clover. Application deadline is August 15, 2011. An application and more information is available from the contact, and see the RFPs attached.

#394 - Start-up farmer in Barre, MA (central) seeks partner:  three-acre former dairy farm in pasture for about twenty years, free of pesticides, includes barn, about 50’X100’, with the possibility of shared housing, as well.  Owner seeks a serious, experienced, full-time organic farmer-collaborator to share in the development of existing and replanted orchards, possible CSA, berry-growing, roadside stand, four season farming and year round aquaponics with an eye towards forming an educational centerpiece for sustainable farming, as well.  Site is within thirty minutes of Worcester, with 500’ frontage on state highway. Owner is open to innovative arrangements.

 #395 - Farm for sale in Colrain, MA (northwest): 162 acres of which 114 are in APR, and include about 50 acres in old orchard – balance 48 acres are wooded with about 10 open.  Buildings include a 36’x 48’ post-and-beam barn with cow stalls and garage, and equipment sheds.  Land is well-watered with a pond and several springs.  Asking $200,000.

#399 - Farm for sale in Whately, MA: over ten acres, of which seven are flat, tilled and certified organic, and 2.5 are rich pasture with no-climb fencing in place.  Buildings include a four-bedroom post-and-beam house; a new 30’x 40’ barn with 12’ overhangs on north and south side, haylofts, heated waterers and commercial-grade fans; and a three-sided run-in shed with a 12’ overhang.  Farm is in scenic location within three miles of a major highway; asking $850,000.

#400 - 73 acres for sale in Charlton, MA:  about eight acres are currently hayed, ten acres are in a pond that can be used for irrigation, and the balance in woodlands; asking $600,000.

#401 - Farm property for sale in Belchertown, MA (western): 1.3 acres currently in pasture with a year-round well and ten fruit trees in place.  There are an additional five acres, currently in corn, for possible rent on an adjacent property.  Buildings include a six-room house with breezeway and two-car garage and a 15’ x 45’ barn/shed.  Asking $229,900.

#403 - Farm property for sale in Shutesbury, MA (western):  almost 4A, of which about two are clear and the balance in woodlands, part of a former horse farm.  Buildings include a three-or-four-bedroom house with recently-replaced roof and windows, new septic system, and a large two-story barn with new roof.  Located in an area open to local food support. Asking $325,000 (under appraised value).

#404 - Farm with established business for sale in Leverett, MA (western):  115A, mostly forested with some sugar bush and heirloom apple trees, of which 6.5A are open and 4.5A of these are in pasture with electric fencing.  Buildings include: three-bedroom completely-restored 1857 Cape with energy-efficient upgrades, with attached 14’ x 16’ shed;  two-story, 36’ x 36’ post-and-beam barn with water, electricity, two run-in stalls with sand and rubber mats, with 450+ bale hay storage; and a tractor shed.  There is an established farmstand egg/meat bird business.  Other amenities include: horse trails, seasonal brook, mature woodland with high timber value, all except about 4A under conservation restriction   Asking $485,000.

#405 - Ongoing hydroponic farm, with new year round market, seeks assistant in Hopkinton, MA:  looking for farmer with minimal tillage equipment to open 2.5 acres of clear land to supplement the hydroponic output, and to learn the process of hydroponic farming as an assistant.  Owners are flexible and willing to consider alternative arrangements.

#406 - Farm for sale or rent in Townsend, MA: six acres, of which about five are in fenced pasture with Ritchie waterers, currently in beef.  Buildings include four-bedroom colonial home with recent updates, two-car garage, two-story barn, carriage shed, and small hay shed. Possibility of free lease pasture and hayfields nearby.

#408 - Land and buildings for sale in Ware, MA (western):  27 acres of terraced land with slopes, in Chapter 61B, harvested for timber by previous owner,  includes 3-5 acres of pasture and yard, with apple, peach and mulberry trees, raspberries and grapes, in need of cultivation.  Buildings include a two-bedroom, 1.5 bath, Cape, built in 1990 and completely remodeled with passive-solar south-facing windows, new roof, ductwork, electricity, walls, floors, ceilings and lighting, all with wood heat; and a two-to-four-stall barn with electricity and nearby well. Asking $279,900.

 #409 - Property for sale in Plainfield, MA:  14 acres, mostly wooded, with .75 acre in pasture with electric fence.  Buildings include a four-bedroom, three-bath house in fine condition with a terraced garden; a 20’ x 20’ barn with two run-ins and spacious hayloft, running water and electricity; and a 10’ x 12’ timber frame barn with electricity. Asking $329,000.

#413 - Farm held by a charitable land trust for sale or lease in Lanesboro, MA (northwestern):  187 acres of former dairy farm under APR, of which 70A are open, and the balance in woodland with some sugar bush and early successional wildlife habitat.  Some of the open land has been rented to local farmers for hay, pumpkins, corn and straw. Details, such as soil descriptions and photos, are available on the website. Buildings include a 19^th century brick Federal farmhouse in need of repair, and a Quonset hut storage barn, both on an unrestricted 3.5A lot. Farm is located in an area with steady traffic that includes other successful farm stand and u-pick operations, and is near Pittsfield, the major city in the area.  The land trust will be particularly attracted to proposals that include public involvement, such as CSA, community farm or u-pick.

#418 - Dairy for work-in or sale in Winchendon, MA (central):  43.5A includes 10A of woodland and 3A of pasture.  200-cow free stall dairy includes D6 milking parlor, dry cow barn, calf barn, other support structures, a cheese plant and a farm store.  Owner has gone to great lengths to reduce energy consumption, including: roof-mounted solar panels that supply a third of the energy used; variable-speed vacuum pump; computerized fan system in cooling and aging room; new refrigeration system; energy-efficient light bulbs throughout; on-demand water heating system. There are three houses available on the property.  Besides the cheese-making facilities, there is a compost operation using cow manure and a fiber byproduct that would otherwise be land-filled.  This is a long-established, profitable, vertically-integrated enterprise with low capital overhead and markets in place for both cheese and compost. Owner is willing to consider financial assistance.

#420 - Farm property for sale in Barre, MA (central):  38A of mostly prime agricultural soils, of which 18A are in hay or corn, and the balance in brush. Buildings include a four-bedroom cape in need of repair, with an artesian well, and a two-story, 30’ x 30’ barn.  The land, in a rural setting, abuts a wildlife sanctuary, and application is in process to protect the land under APR. Asking price is $350,000.

#422 - Farm property in Southboro, MA for lease and eventual sale:  15A with town water and a spring, of which 5A have apple and peach trees with a small blueberry patch and about 2A are in cultivation; 2.5A consist of a building envelope; and 7.5A are a pine/oak forest currently being sustainably harvested, all near three major highways.  Buildings include a 24’ x 60’ barn, of which about 24’ x 24’ would be available, and a 16’ x 24’ greenhouse.  Owner is flexible about the arrangement for land use and would consider a business partnership or other cooperative venture.

#425 - Ongoing farm in Rochester, MA (southeastern) seeks long-term manager: the farm is 47A with 12A of field space certified organic for the past five years.  Structures include a 34’ x 96’ greenhouse, two 15’ x 96’ propagation houses, a packing house structure with walk-in cooler, an additional walk-in cooler, two sheds and a hybrid greenhouse/barn near completion, with funding for an additional greenhouse and other farm improvements.  There is ample water, an irrigation system, three tractors and many implements. The owners have run the farm for five years primarily as a CSA operation, at one point with over 350 members, attend farmers’ markets, sell to Whole Foods, have restaurant clients, and plan a farm stand next season on their well-traveled road. They seek a farm manager because they now wish to scale down somewhat in order to concentrate on consolidating the foundations of the farm: soil health, crop rotation, nutrient management including mineralization and soil biology, and completion of the greenhouse and essential farm systems. They seek an experienced farmer willing to take on the tasks of managing the farm for a period of at least two years.  This is an opportunity to manage a farm at a very high level of responsibility, as an integral part of the whole process, including having input into decisions on goals, creating the farm plan, and sharing in the profit or loss with compensation depending on the success of the enterprise.  A combination of educational and real practical experience working, managing, and most importantly, having been responsible for results, would be the ideal background for this position. Knowledge of, and significant experience with, organic farming methods and equipment is absolutely essential.

#426 - Established retail, pick-your-own, wholesale farm operation in South Deerfield, MA (western) seeks farm manager:  of 45A about 40A are tillable, all under APR.  Buildings include timber-frame farm stand on busy state road, 30’ x 40’ Morton building for storage, and three 30’ x 96’greenhouses. APR allows for owner housing to be built, and owners would consider selling to the right individual.

#427 - Farm for sale in Rutland, MA (central):  10A currently in hay, 5A open pasture and 45A in woodland, entirely fenced for cows, with wooden horse ring, spring-fed swimming hole/trout pond with dock, and frontage on a larger pond.  Excellent soil for variety of vegetables; all fields currently in hay were plowed, large rocks removed, re-seeded and rotated in the 1970s.  There are apple and pear trees, blueberries, rhubarb, perennial flowers, oak timber and sugarbush.  Buildings include a four-bedroom house with private septic, town water, and appliances, a 38’ x 66’, three-story post-and-beam barn with eleven cow stanchions, four box stalls, hay loft, chicken area, 220V and running water, with attached sheds and workshop, two-car deep cement-floor garage, and a free-standing, dirt-floor pole barn with four bays.  Asking $850,000.

#431 - Farmland for sale in Sunderland, MA (western):  14A of good soil of which 9A have been mostly in feed corn, the balance in hay and pasture, includes a house lot.

#432 - Property in South New Salem, MA (western) for one-to-five-year rent: 10A consisting of 8A of woodland and 2A of flat, open land, which includes a fenced 50’ x 80’ organic garden.  Buildings include a three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath recently-renovated 1730s house and a 30’ x 40’ barn/workspace/woodshed with small attached greenhouse. Asking $1200/month.

#433 - Field, currently in hay, for rent in Athol, MA (central): 7A believed to be organic in sunny, dry location with on-site well, and having the potential for other crops.  Owner is interested in sharing the farm, including new barn and living space under construction to be available in the spring, and possible use of some equipment, e.g., tractor and tools.  A farmer’s market is to be established in town, and the site is rural but near a major highway offering access to good-sized cities.

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