Ithaca, NY, Tompkins County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
This acreage is part of Danby's Agricultural district and begging to be put back to good use!
The east pastures, A and C, are the portions we are looking to lease in the immediate future. Pasture B will likely become available for expansion in 2029. Pasture A is approximately 7 acres and currently overgrown. Two barns of questionable integrity are part of that lot. A well exists with a functioning hand pump behind the sheep barn and has the option of being electric. Pasture C is approximately 1.5 acres and prime for a market garden for the right farmer.
Prior to the purchase of the land in 2022, we understand the Pasture A had been hayed, but has not been cultivated since. It is currently very overgrown and will likely need some rehab with rotational grazing to bring it back to full vitality.
Pasture B will likely be available in 2029. It is currently leased as an evergreen farm for nursery stock and has been managed for the past 8 years.
We currently do not have farmer housing, although we are looking at converting our RV to farmer housing in fall 2026. Farmers with acceptable proposals are welcome to bring an RV/Camper to the property in the meantime. There is electricity, water and sewer available. The RV/Camper land lease would be separate from the farm land lease.
We allow two hunters on the property for bow hunting deer.
We are currently in the middle of building our house which should be completed in spring 2026.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
After talking to some local farmers, we've discovered that the farm was originally owned and operated as a sheep farm. It has not seen agricultural activity in several decades. There is also evidence the owner used the woods to hunt deer.
Tenure Options
We are looking for a farmer interested in developing Pasture A and C into a productive multi-use/micro or small farm over the next 3-5 years. We are interested in developing our own portion of the property into a family farm and are most open to someone who is looking for a cooperative or would like to partner with us in developing the land as a whole. We recognize that we do not have all the tools ourselves to develop this beautiful piece of property, but are willing and able to collaborate with someone who is interested in building something beautiful.
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
We will review all proposals/requests with open minds. We do not feel the property is large enough for cattle and is not ideal for horses. We will not negotiate on using organic practices - this is a must. We will also be keen to have someone who is using permaculture practices that are regenerative and sustainable.
We are most interested in sheep, goats, pigs, poultry or game birds. We would be happy to have vegetables and fruit produced on the property, but are open to other non-standard crops such as willow, nuts etc.
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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Goats/Sheep
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Pigs
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Poultry
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Bees
Preferred Farming Method
Farm Infrastructure
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Barns - Equipment Storage
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Electrical access
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Water access
Water Access
There is a well available behind the barns with a functioning hand pump. It is possible to convert it to an electric pump. There is one additional well that is used by the RV that is available.
Additional Property Information
We are so excited to start seeing this farm come alive. Fortunately, we are in an agricultural district and the community is fully supportive of farming practices. That being said, we will be living on the property full time in Spring 2026. We prefer a tenant who is aligned with our vision of the property in the future and will be looking to promote the health and wellbeing of the property overall. We are not interested in monoculture or practices that take from the overall environment. We hope we can find someone who we can collaborate with on future projects as we continue to develop this property!
