Jamestown, NY, Chautauqua County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
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
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
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?
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
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Flowers or Ornamentals
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Grains
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Hay
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Other Crops
Livestock Permitted
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Cattle - Beef
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Cattle - Dairy
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Equine
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Goats/Sheep
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Pigs
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Other Livestock
Farm Infrastructure
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Fencing
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Water access
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Barns - Equipment Storage
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Farmer housing
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Equipment
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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.
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
Current Land Zoning
Is the property located in a NY Agricultural District?
Can the public be on the property as a part of the farm business?
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.
