Ames Farm

Jamestown, NY, Chautauqua County

For Lease Business Partnership
Updated

Acres Available

170

Open Tillable Acres

157

Wooded (or other) Acres

23

Infrastructure

  • Black outline of a fence Fencing
  • Black outline of a water drop Water access
  • black outline barn icon Barns - Equipment Storage
  • black outline house icon Farmer housing
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Crops Permitted

  • black outline of a carrot Vegetables
  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals
  • black outline of a wheat germ Grains
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Livestock Permitted

  • black outline cow icon Cattle - Beef
  • black outline dairy icon Cattle - Dairy
  • black outline horse icon Equine
  • Black outline of a sheep Goats/Sheep
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Condition & Current Use

Established in 1879, the Ames Farm historically operated as a dairy farm and is in impeccable condition.  Dairy production has ceased on the farm, but the fields are currently rented to grow crops for neighboring diary farmers.

The picturesque farm has been featured in local tourism websites and videos and offers a sound infrastructure for the development of either CSA or other retail production as well as specialty crops or livestock.

A diverse layout with +80 acres of cropland, 60 acres of pasture, 23 acres of woods (including maple and apple trees) and 5 acres of homestead.  Along with sound annual lake effect rainfall, the farm has strong access to springs and solid water supplies, including a large, deep spring-fed pond.  The farm also has a tenant house available for farmer onsite living.  The barns and structures offer strong opportunities for both equipment management, general operations and/or retail.

The Ames Farm is close to Lake Chautauqua and Jamestown, New York, providing access to a viable market.

Soil Types

48 acres Unadilla Silt Loam/ 26 acres Allard Silt Loam/ 21 acres Dalton Silt Loam and others - Soil Map attached at the bottom of the profile.

Farm History & Past Use

Since the farm started in 1879 it has been a very productive dairy farm through 4 generations of Ames farmers.  Today, Chuck Ames still lives on the homestead at the age of 85.  As his great nephew, I purchased the farm in 2012 to help support his retirement and ensure the farm stays in the family for generations to come.  Today, the barns are empty but in very sound condition and the fields continue to be rented to neighboring farmer to support thier dairy operations.  Pastures are also in great condition and routinely brush hogged.

Tenure Options

Tenure Options

For Lease Business Partnership

Lease or partnership with a goal to help preserve the farm as a working agricultural entity and support basic operations (taxes/ insurance) and site management (protect the barns, buildings, etc.).  Thus, the goal is not to "make money" but enable a good farmer to make a sound living and keeping the Ames Farm as a working farm for generations to come.

As such, open to numerous business models.  For direct lease options, for the right farmer would consider early year(s) being rent free to enable establishing thier business.  For profit sharing models, agian for the right farmer, would help structure programs that would be beneficial to the farmer - as referenced we are not looking to "make money" but create sound win for the farm, win for the farmer and win for the community.

Do you require a farmer who qualifies for agricultural assessment?

Negotiable

Production Preferences

Livestock / Crops Description

Open to considering most types of livestock.  Barns are currently fitted for traditional dairy parlor in the main red barn and single animal standing stalls in the white heifer barn.

Crops Permitted

  • black outline of a carrot Vegetables
  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals
  • black outline of a wheat germ Grains
  • black outline hay icon Hay
  • black outline other crops icon Other Crops

Livestock Permitted

  • black outline cow icon Cattle - Beef
  • black outline dairy icon Cattle - Dairy
  • black outline horse icon Equine
  • Black outline of a sheep Goats/Sheep
  • Black outline of a pig Pigs
  • black outline llama icon Other Livestock

Farm Infrastructure

  • Black outline of a fence Fencing
  • Black outline of a water drop Water access
  • black outline barn icon Barns - Equipment Storage
  • black outline house icon Farmer housing
  • black outline tractor icon Equipment
  • black outline electrical icon Electrical access

Equipment

Various planting and harvesting equipment available.  All in working order.

Fencing

60 acres of pasture land is completely fenced with numerous gate access points.

Water Access

Along with consistent lake effect moisture, the farm has two spring fed creeks running on both sides of the main fields as well as a large, deep spring feed pond in the main pasture.  Over the farms 140+ year history there has never been a crop failure from lack of rain/ drought.

Barns for Equipment/Storage

A very large red dairy barn with a huge loft and 50+ stall traditional milking parler, complete with gutter system.  An additional large white heifer barn, currently used to house horses, is in exceptional shape.  Also a large metal "tool shed" approximately 50' by 70' for protected storage of farm equipment.  Additional garages, workshop, and storage barns also on site.

Farmer Housing

On site two story wood framed tenant house with stone foundation and full basement.  House has two bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, laundry, and front covered porch.  House also has a 26' x 16' two story storage barn.  

Additional Property Information

Dependent solely on a sound relationship with the farmer - happy to support what is important to them.

Is the Property Conserved

In Progress

Current Land Zoning

Agricultural

Is the property located in a NY Agricultural District?

Yes

Can the public be on the property as a part of the farm business?

Yes

Additional Information About This Property

The Ames Farm is both a viable agricultual farm as well as potential for ecotourism with close proximity to Lake Chautauqua (and the Chautauqua Institution) and Jamestown, New York.

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Ag Updates

Dairy Cows eating silage in the barn.

Applications Open for Dairy Funding Accelerator Program

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has opened applications for its upcoming Northeast Dairy Funding Accelerator (DFA) program. The 20-month intensive training curriculum will combine virtual and in-person sessions, as well as group and personalized Business Technical Assistance (BTA) training to help each participant meet their individualized needs. Funding for the program is being provided by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). Applications are being accepted until December 1, 2023.

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The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Program is seeking participants!

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) Program is designed to empower farmers and agricultural advisors to gain and share both the knowledge and tools needed to be resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.  This cohort-based learning opportunity is for farmers and agricultural advisors who are interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and planning, as well as peer-to-peer networking and support. Applications are due by midnight on November 11th, 2023. 

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Register Now for Cornell Small Farms Online Courses!

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

2023-2024 Online Course List Learn More

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