Clinton Corners, NY, Dutchess County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
Historic Meadowland Farm is offering a turn-key leasing opportunity to an entrepreneurial farmer or farmer couple eager to build a vegetable business. We have a heated greenhouse, two 100-foot long high tunnels, dedicated electricity/water, a farm shed/office, a cool-room, and a full array of implements (including a BCS walk behind tiller/cultivator and possible tractor access) and harvesting equipment needed to establish a thriving business. The lease covers a 4 acre fenced-in parcel that has been under production for more than 10 years using organic/biodynamic methods. Soil has been extensively amended with high quality mulch/manure mostly produced on farm. We also offer the option of access to an adjacent fruit orchard where we grow apples, peaches, pears, and berries.
Meadowland Farm is located just one mile off the Taconic Parkway in central Dutchess County with exceptionally easy access to a large number of attractive farmers markets. We also have a roadside farm stand and a number of current/past CSA customers who likely would be eager to continue subscribing to a vegetable CSA.
As owners, we have strived over many years to help aspiring farmers build successful farm businesses of their own. Financial, marketing, and technical support available from us as needed/desired.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
Historic farm and home. One of the Hudson Valley's original homestead farms dating from the 1700s. In the mid 20th century, the farm became increasingly devoted to cattle/dairy production. Over the past 25+ years, we have brought the property back to its more diversified beginnings. In addition to vegetable and fruit production, we currently raise beef cattle and egg laying chickens and also have sheep and donkeys on property.
Tenure Options
Typically, we start a relationship with a one year lease arrangement. After an initial "get to know" year, we would be amenable to entering into a longer term relationship for the appropriate person.
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
Over the past 25+ years, we have enjoyed relationships with several tenant farmers who have grown a wide array of vegetables, herbs and flowers. We also raised beef cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits, pastured poultry, and egg laying hens on the farm. Our most recent leasing relationship for vegetables lasted 7 years and ended with the tenants' purchase of their own land to farm.
Meadowland Farm is highly regarded in the local community. Over the years, we have marketed to CSA, farmers market, and restaurant customers. Our roadside store has also been an attractive outlet.
Crops Permitted
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Flowers or Ornamentals
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Grains
Livestock Permitted
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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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Equipment
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Fencing
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Water access
Equipment
Full range of hand tools, harvest bins, BCS walk behind with tiller, bed-shaper, mowing attachments, wash tubs. Owner may consider access to Category 2 tractor with bucket and various bed shaping/cultivating/drip-tape laying implements.
Fencing
10 foot high deer fence
Water Access
Dedicated well for greenhouse and field irrigation
Additional Property Information
Prefer applicants to have had at least a few years of prior growing experience and a strong desire to establish their own business enterprise. Given the scale of the growing area, the opportunity ideally would be suited to a couple. Primary concerns would be for tenant to keep things organized and tidy and to have a congenial and collaborative personality.
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
Owners are experienced and fully aware of the challenges entailed by farming and have strived to offer a supportive environment for farmers eager to pursue their passions. Candidates who bring a seriousness of purpose, a thoughtful business plan, and a congenial personality will find that Meadowland Farm can offer low cost land access and a highly supportive environment in return.
This opportunity does not include housing at the present time.
