Moon In The Pond Farm

Sheffield, MA, Columbia County

Business Partnership Farm Management Other Tenure Agreement
Updated

Acres Available

35

Open Tillable Acres

16

Wooded (or other) Acres

19

Infrastructure

  • black outline barn icon Barns - Equipment Storage
  • black outline barn with silo icon Barns - Livestock
  • black outline electrical icon Electrical access
  • black outline tractor icon Equipment
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Crops Permitted

  • black outline of a carrot Vegetables
  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals
  • black outline of a wheat germ Grains
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Livestock Permitted

  • black outline cow icon Cattle - Beef
  • black outline dairy icon Cattle - Dairy
  • black outline horse icon Equine
  • Black outline of a sheep Goats/Sheep
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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

Please see attached Soil Profile

Farm History & Past Use

The property has been farmed since the 1800s.

Tenure Options

Tenure Options

Business Partnership Farm Management Other Tenure Agreement

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?

Yes

Do you require a farmer who qualifies for agricultural assessment?

No

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

  • black outline of a carrot Vegetables
  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals
  • black outline of a wheat germ Grains
  • black outline hay icon Hay
  • black outline maple icon Maple
  • black outline other crops icon Other Crops

Livestock Permitted

  • black outline cow icon Cattle - Beef
  • black outline dairy icon Cattle - Dairy
  • black outline horse icon Equine
  • Black outline of a sheep Goats/Sheep
  • Black outline of a pig Pigs
  • Black outline of a chicken Poultry
  • Black outline of a bee Bees
  • black outline llama icon Other Livestock

Preferred Farming Method

Organic (not certified) Regenerative/Sustainable

Farm Infrastructure

  • black outline barn icon Barns - Equipment Storage
  • black outline barn with silo icon Barns - Livestock
  • black outline electrical icon Electrical access
  • black outline tractor icon Equipment
  • black outline house icon Farmer housing
  • Black outline of a fence Fencing
  • Black outline of a water drop 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.

Barns for Livestock

Small run-in shed, stalls in barn.

Barns for Equipment/Storage

1800s barn with 34 solar panels on the roof, attached 10 cow dairy wing with modified retail room, walk-in freezer and walk-in coolbot. Fenced 30 x  15' chicken coop and yard, 30 x 32' greenhouse/high tunnel, Freestanding 20 x15' cabin with electricity, no heat.

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

Yes

Current Land Zoning

Agricultural

Is the property located in a NY Agricultural District?

No

Can the public be on the property as a part of the farm business?

Yes

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.  

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The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Program is seeking participants!

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) Program is designed to empower farmers and agricultural advisors to gain and share both the knowledge and tools needed to be resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.  This cohort-based learning opportunity is for farmers and agricultural advisors who are interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and planning, as well as peer-to-peer networking and support. Applications are due by midnight on November 11th, 2023. 

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Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

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