Ulster Park, NY, Ulster County
Acres Available
Open Tillable Acres
Wooded (or other) Acres
Condition & Current Use
The meadow is currently brush hogged once a year (or less given wildfire and torrential rain the last few years). It is low-quality grass with lots of other things mixed in. The property has clay soil and is not ideal for growing crops unless significantly amended. Probably the best scenario would be animal husbandry (pigs, sheep, goat, cattle?) and over time to introduce some crops. Would welcome free ranging chickens as well, but (warning!) there are coyotes. A couple wells in the field can be used for water, as well as drawn from the house. Small tractor available for use, and many rolls of fencing and posts can be put up. I am willing to invest in a run in shed/barn and some fencing with the right scenario.
Soil Types
Farm History & Past Use
There was an orchard, a small vineyard, and Black Angus at one time. Most of the apple trees are gone at this point. Several pear trees continue to produce. There is some wild asparagus, and watercress in the stream. Until recently the meadow was baled once a year.
There is a 2-bedroom house available.
Tenure Options
I am flexible, but will have to be extremely comfortable with your skill set, plan and commitment for a long-term lease. It is unlikely that I will sell the property in the next 10 years.
I am not a farmer, but would be willing to be involved in some capacity. But I want this to be the farmer's "business."
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
Animal husbandry is the most likely scenario given current soil and grass mix. After a few years of improving the soil and growth, other kinds of crops might be possible. Although I support and desire organic farming, and understand the necessity of weed control, I am not interested in plastic mulching, or plastic of any kind in the landscape. Would be open to a (glass) greenhouse. Thirty acres of woods may also provide some interesting opportunities like mushrooms. I do not have the necessary infrastructure for dairy. While there are bear in the area, I have seen them only twice over 25 years (in case you are interested in beekeeping). Lots of coyote, deer, rabbits.
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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Other Crops
Livestock Permitted
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Cattle - Beef
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Goats/Sheep
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Pigs
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Poultry
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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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Farmer housing
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Fencing
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Water access
Equipment
Small John Deere with brush hog and front loader.
Fencing
Rolls of 4-6' fencing available. Metal and wooden posts. Nothing standing.
Water Access
A well was dug in one of the fields years ago and could be used with a pump. A couple of wet spots, including a stream through the woods. House/Well water can be used to fill IBC tanks.
Farmer Housing
2 bedroom (furnished) house available for the right situation. I currently airbnb and rent it out.
Additional Property Information
Please see above.
- no plastic mulching or otherwise
- no large scale poultry or GMO nor conventional ag
- I highly value the meadow and land as habitat for wildlife.
