Pittsfield, NY, Otsego County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
Our forest farm is close to 7.5 acres of woods and meadows, currently overgrown with goldenrods, red raspberries, buttercups, and various competing vegetation both native and non-native. It's an ex dairy-farm with an old barn in solid shape, but needs some work to restore. Soil is moist/wet year-round due to slope and presence of a pond.
We intend to add more trees (through a NYS reforestation grant) and engage in agroforestry research and climate-smart practices, focusing on increasing biodiversity, growing northeast natives, and conservation. Currently planted species are ramps (Allium tricoccum), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadense), a few serviceberry bushes, elderberries, and pawpaws (Asimina triloba). American ginseng is being tested offsite before planting here. In the woods are many forest natives that can be grown and sold in the home gardening market, including trilliums, trout lily, mayapple, and ferns, and will grow many more for the florist market.
We hope to start a forest-based CSA in 2027, in conjunction with our second farm, 5 additional acres in Edmeston, NY. Primary offerings will include non-timber forest products (non-food items made from low-quality timber and wood pieces), forest teas, honey, as well as field-grown produce.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
Former dairy farm and pasture, has been unused for more than 10 years. Little is known about the previous owners.
Tenure Options
Partnership with other forest farmers, to share knowledge, tools, and labor.
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
NTFP (non-timber forest products) and forest-obligate projects; apiary and silvopasturing being considered for 2027.
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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Maple
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Other Crops
Livestock Permitted
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Poultry
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Bees
Preferred Farming Method
Farm Infrastructure
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Barns - Equipment Storage
Additional Property Information
We are in our first year of operation and need to clean up much of the property. We own a second farm 10 mi away that has lodgings, traditional fields for crops, and services.
We are interested in networking with other farmers, for mutual aid, business collaborations, and establishing a CSA or co-op.
