Farming opportunity - Groton, MA
Land Jobs Stuff – RI + MA + CT ag
NOTICE OF FARMING OPPORTUNITY: GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Unique farm living opportunity on a small farm in Groton, MA. The owners operate Woolworks Farm where they raise sheep for wool and meat on 15.5 acres of land in 3 contiguous parcels. This lovely property includes their home with an attached apartment, a barn and several pieces of farm equipment. There are about 1.5 acres of potential cropland along with pasture and wooded areas.
Currently, the farm business is set up as a sole proprietorship. The owners share a vision where an individual or couple occupies the apartment and is in some way(s) engaged with the farm. They do not have specific plans to grow the sheep business, but are open to bringing someone into the operation who might work with them to expand.
At minimum, they seek a tenant who is competent to perform livestock management tasks such as feeding, watering, and monitoring, including when the owners are away. The responsibility load varies over the year. For example, there is more to do during lambing season. The owners will pay the tenant for these tasks. They seek a tenant who appreciates and enjoys the setting and situation.
The more ambitious vision has the tenant more involved with the farm. S/he might want to learn about the sheep and wool business. S/he could go to festivals and other venues where the owner’s products are sold. There could be some profit-sharing arrangement. However, transfer of the business or the property to the tenant is not an option.
In addition, the owners will make the small cropping area available for vegetable production. The tenant could operate an independent produce operation there. The location is good for various market opportunities, including a small CSA.
This is a great opportunity be taught and mentored by willing teachers who have years of practical experience with sheep and wool production. One owner spins her own wool. She produces and sells wool products and is active in the fiber community. Her partner is mainly involved with taking care of the animals. They buy their hay locally.
Opportunities and obligations would be negotiated depending on the candidate’s particular interests, skills and commitment. So this is an open, flexible offer, with some “bottom line” requirements.
The 1200 square foot apartment has one bedroom and one bath, with many attractive features. It has a separate entrance and parking area with plenty of privacy. Rent is $1,200/month, including electricity, heat, trash pick-up, snow plowing and Verizon FIOS television and internet service.
Interested parties should send a letter of interest to Kathy Ruhf at ka...@landforgood.org by May 31st. The letter should briefly address: nature of interest; relevant personal and farming background; and farming or farm-related vision and goals.
Selected candidates will be contacted for further information and invited to visit the property.
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Kathryn Z. Ruhf
P.O. Box 11, Belchertown, MA 01007
413-323-9878 (o)
608-212-9178 (c)
Land For Good
Executive Director
www.landforgood.org