Sheffield, MA, Columbia County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
The property has been farmed since the mid 1800s. Since 1991, Moon In The Pond Farm has been an organic, sustainable, very diverse permaculture farm, well-respected for its contributions in the community. The farm is raising vegetables and livestock, and many other foods, all in 'small', human-scale production. An educational component has been a strong part of operation for about 20 years--hosting apprentices, interns and volunteers interested in learning about life close to the land (see website). There are (3) one-half acre vegetable plots that are rotated for production of annual vegetables with rows of perennials on boarders. About 10-15 acres is grazed by Highland cattle and Horned Dorset sheep--alternately hayed. Sylvopasture has been to extend grazing and utilize woodland areas.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
The property has been farmed since the 1800s.
Tenure Options
I am Dom Palumbo, the current farmer, in my 60s, and looking for a young energetic farmer to implement a succession plan. I'm interested in helping, teaching, transferring my experience and knowledge and ultimately selling or leasing to someone who will carry on the farm's mission of education, diversity, healthy food and community. Lots has been accomplished and established in the past 30 years and I'd like to pass along the benefits of that accumulated work to someone who might appreciate that and want to build on it. (Haven't yet uploaded good current photos--come visit!)
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
8 Highland cattle, 6 Horned Dorset sheep, 7 Jersey geese, 40 hens, 13 acres of hay/pasture, very varied one-acre market garden, mushrooms, and value-added products.
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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Barns - Equipment Storage
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Barns - Livestock
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Electrical access
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Equipment
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Farmer housing
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Fencing
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Water access
Equipment
Tractors, haying equipment, electro-net, poly-wire fencing, chicken tractors, etc. etc.
Fencing
Three page wire fenced paddocks attached to the barn, one fenced chicken coop and yard. Lots of electro-net and poly-wire.
Water Access
Deep well accessible to the barn and farmhouse.
Farmer Housing
1800s farmhouse, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, wood-burning stove, new oil heat and hot water, unfinished cellar, Viking stove, washer.
Additional Property Information
Property is restricted to organic per a deeded agreement.
Livestock is a key aspect of this diverse farm that includes vegetables and lots of other productive aspects in a permaculture model.
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
The farm is on a quiet dirt road, surrounded on three sides by Nature Conservancy property and on the fourth by Massachusetts APR. It is on the NY/MA/CT borders near Great Barrington, MA.
