Description of the property’s current condition and current use(s):

Colony Farm is a former state prison dairy farm in the Catskill-Shawangunk Greenway. The Town of Wawarsing has applied for USDA grant funding to study its re-use for agritourism. The land is currently rented from Eastern Correctional Facility by a local hay farmer. Decisions regarding ultimate use and disposition are matters to be addressed after the town study is complete. The land is under the control of the Corrections Department. We are seeking farmers' who might be interested in the farm after the study is complete and DOCCS disposes of it through sale or transfer to the town or another state agency to suggest an ultimate use such as a dairy, artisan cheese, yogurt or ice cream production and retail sales. 

Farm history / past uses of the property:

NYS prison farm

Infrastructure and equipment:

• Water access
• Barns or other facilities for storage of equipment, livestock, and crops
• Farmer housing
• Equipment available for sale or lease

Water access description:

A well and water tower are located at the farmstead.

Barns/structures description:

The property consists of a milking parlor and barns with steel roofs, sheds, and a pheasant coop.

Farmer housing description:

Two houses are located on the property.

Types of crops permitted to be produced on the property:

Types of livestock permitted on the property:

Tenure options:

Preferences and restrictions on agricultural activities:

Dairy is desirable but not necessary. Agritourism, recreational tourism and farm tours would be appropriate uses for the farm. A slaughterhouse is not wanted.

Do you require a farmer who qualifies for agricultural assessment?:

Are you willing to have the public on the property as a part of the farm business?:

Any additional information about this property:

The property is controlled by the Departmant of Corrections until such time as it surplusses the property. 

Related files:

aerial_view_colony_farm_labeled.jpg