Livingston, NY, Columbia County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
Greatwonder Farms, in Livingston, NY, is a robust, 127 acre agroforestry project that aims to profit from growing high value crops using earth-nurturing methods. We have taken dormant farmland and planted a mix of 11 species that will bring harvests of a wide variety of fruits, nuts and timber. At the same time, Greatwonder Farms and our regenerative farming practices will drawdown carbon from the atmosphere while revitalizing the soil. In the bigger picture, we would like to help bring about positive change for farmers in the area, share what we learn and help them to become more profitable and to grow food in a more sustainable and profitable way.
We are seeking a partner to run our farm in Livingston. This partner will manage day to day operations as well as contribute to long term strategy and best practices. For the right partner, we offer a property that is well on its way to bearing the fruits of several years of capital investment and we’ve built several local relationships as we work to secure markets for our products. We feel well positioned for success and expect the next few years to be very exciting as we establish our project and grow our business. We have a base plan in place and would be pleased to invite prospective managers to build on what we have and incorporate their experience and vision to enhance the farm.
Beginning in 2019 we have planted and tended over 1200 Chestnut trees, approximately 12 acres of black currants and 9 other species. Black Currants will begin yielding in 2023 and the Chestnuts in coming years. In addition, we have black locust for timber and a handful of other crops including some select varieties of apple.
Our prospective farm manager/partner will be responsible for managing all aspects of day-to-day cultivation and care of the property as well as cooperate and/or lead our efforts to bring our products to market.
There is currently limited on-site infrastructure, including a well and irrigation and we plan to establish (at minimum) equipment storage and likely a simple barn, as well as a new home which may become available for rental in 2024 or 2025.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
The property was undeveloped from at least 2008 through 2019.
Tenure Options
We are open to creative lease models, management contracts, or revenue-sharing models. We intend to develop a partnership that aligns our interests with our farm manager and enables long term success. We are very excited about what is happening at Greatwonder and seek an enthusiastic partner with a shared vision.
Given that our planting began in 2019 we are on our way to mature chestnuts and black currants and need the right partner to optimize harvests and the long term health of our farm while also bringing their expertise to enhance the property and find new ways to add value and biodiversity while prioritizing regenerative practices.
This may take the form of a shared expense and shared revenue model or it may take the form of an operating lease with shared upside and downside.
We look forward to hearing your ideas about how to best work together.
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 are flexible on what livestock and crops may fit with the plantings already in the ground. We would be pleased to discuss how your ideas on livestock and crops fit with the species already on the farm. If they do, we'd be pleased to work with you on how we add new elements to Greatwonder.
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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Maple
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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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Poultry
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Bees
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Other Livestock
Preferred Farming Method
Farm Infrastructure
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Electrical access
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Water access
Water Access
We have a well and irrigation installed.
Additional Property Information
We welcome questions and/or proposals from interested farmers and stewards. Ideal partners will be passionate about working towards regenerative ecological outcomes (e.g. no synthetic pesticides/herbicides/fungicides, build soil health, minimize erosion, increase biodiversity, etc.).
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
We plan to bring electrical hookup in the short term as we are building a home on the property. The house has been designed and we in process to plan construction. The house will potentially be available for rental. We may also include a barn or shed structure for farm equipment and processing as part of the project.
