Copake, NY, Columbia County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
400 blueberry bushes, 200 strawberry plants and 12 elderberry bushes in fenced enclosure with exclusionary netting. Rhubarb, asparagus, tomatoes and peppers in fenced enclosures. Eighteen peach trees, seven chestnut trees and garlic also planted and producing. Small greenhouse, small barn, tractor and other tools available additional flat cleared land in full sun for planting in raised beads or that could be fenced. Partially shaded areas possible for planting as well. All crops are certified naturally grown.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
I was told it was at one time a potato farm. It was undeveloped land for about 20 years and then my husband and I began clearing the land in 2010 and constructed the buildings and other infrastructure since then. Farm has been producing since 2015 and has developed customers locally and in NYC.
Tenure Options
I would be most interested in leasing the farm portion of the land for a multi-year period (3 to 5 years initially) to someone who would take on the risk and reward. I would like to work with the person for a season on a salaried basis and then if mutually agreed, let the person manage the farm and be compensated by the crops grown and sold, with no lease payments for an agreed upon period of time. I would like to retain an advisory role and could invest in further development and infrastructure.
Price for Lease Per Acre
Are you willing to mentor a new or beginning farmer?
Do you require a farmer who qualifies for agricultural assessment?
Production Preferences
Livestock / Crops Description
There is still open area for additional crops. Anything that needed a lot of flat space would not be appropriate (e.g., wheat, soybeans). There are no animals as the farm is seasonal from late March to November. A neighbor has chickens, but larger animals would not be appropriate. The season could be extended through adding a hoop house.
Crops Permitted
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Flowers or Ornamentals
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Other Crops
Livestock Permitted
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Poultry
Preferred Farming Method
Farm Infrastructure
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Barns - Equipment Storage
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Electrical access
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Equipment
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Fencing
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Water access
Equipment
Small John Deere tractor and lots of implements and tools.
Fencing
Fencing around most of the planted areas and trees for deer. Exclusionary netting over the blueberries, strawberries and elderberries.
Water Access
Well with hydrants close to fenced areas and green house. Drip irrigation system in blueberry/strawberry field and vegetable field. Hoses reach all current crops.
Additional Property Information
I would like the farm to be certified naturally grown as it is now or organic. There are neighbors so appearance, smells, dust, noise, etc. could be of concern.
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
My partner and I have been running the farm with minimal help for the last 10 years. We would like to have someone who could transition into managing the farm and adding crops that they choose to grow to supplement the existing fruits and vegetables. There are established markets and typically everything grown sells.
