- Nutrient Management Plan
- Has a Deed Restriction
Deed Restrictions: Conservation easement on the forested portion of the property.
This farm has been in our family since the early 1900s. My grandfather became a “gentleman” farmer after retiring and raised chickens and turkeys. That infrastructure is long gone and the “farming” we’ve done since then has consisted of large gardens, small scale maple syrup, and nearly 50 years of small scale beef production (3-4 head a year). Most of the property is forested and in conservation easement (which does allow limited timber and firewood harvesting).
The “developed” area – consisting of about 20 acres of fenced pasture, my 86 year old mother’s home, a large converted barn that serves as a summer rental, a large spring-fed pool, the tractor shed (20′ x 30′ timber frame), the 1-2 bedroom farmhouse, the workshop (another 20′ x 30′ timber frame that is insulated and heated), the 7 stall working barn, and the equipment shed (20′ x 50′ timber frame lean-to) – which is not included in the conservation easement.
The future of the farm is unclear. My mother would like to stay there as long as she can and is quite capable of handling a lot of the property maintenance on her own. I live out of state and typically spend about a week each month on the property helping with maintenance and the inevitable “special projects” that pop up…e.g. dealing with the aftermath of the Emerald Ash Borer or replacing the barbed wire fence with hi-tensile electric. We’d like to find a farmer or farmers – maybe a couple with one working off-farm until their farm plan has time to mature – to come pursue their dream and, in the process, help us maintain and improve the property.
Leasing to own isn’t out of the question, but not something we can guarantee at this point. The farmers could take over the small beef cattle operation, raise other small livestock, produce eggs, add high tunnels/green houses (likely with our financial support), bring in school groups or ecotourists, raise native plants, expand the maple syrup operation, raise honey bees, sell firewood, selectively harvest and sell rough cut lumber…it seems to us there are all sorts of things the farm could support.
My mother’s home is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, that started life as a log cabin and has had a series of additions over the past 100 years.
The “Brown House” – the converted timber frame barn – is a 6 bedroom, 3 bath summer rental built in 1890.
The tractor shed is a 20′ x 30′ timber frame built about 10 years ago (has 110 volt power).
The farmhouse is a 1-2 bedroom (one large bedroom, the second is quite small), 1 bath house that has been improved steadily over the last few years (most recent changes were spray foam insulation in the basement and a mini-split system).
The workshop, another 20′ x 30′ timber frame that has spray foam insulation, radiant floor heat, and a 3.5kw solar array on the roof is next door to the farmhouse (workshop has 110 volt power and could have 240 volt outlets added). It was built just a few years ago.
The working barn – an old timber frame with 7 stalls (water and 110 volt power) – is alongside as is the equipment shed, a 20′ x 50′ timber frame lean-to (no power or water, also built in the last few years). The working barn currently provides shelter for a friend’s horse and the cattle.
At the end of the road is a recently converted 2-room summer cabin that is home to a family friend who rents the now year-round home and helps with invasives control on the property.
No livestock available for purchase. The three head of beef cattle are scheduled to be taken to the butcher in late October.
Water lines were installed in two sections of pasture so there are frost-free spigots in numerous convenient spots.
Approximately 4 acres are fenced with mesh fence and have been used for goats in the past.
The larger ~12 acre pasture is enclosed with hi-tensile, electrified fence. Gates allow this area to be divided into 5 sections.
There is a 1945 Farmall A that we use for tractor rides but it can pull a loaded wagon (which we have). There is also a 1977 John Deere 950 which does all the work. It is equipped with a front end loader/forklift and has numerous attachments…backhoe, ballast weight, grader blade, logging winch, sickle mower, and brush hog. We’ve also got a Kymco UTV. None of the equipment would be for sale or for lease, but would almost certainly be made available free of charge.
The property’s 89 acres span both sides of a state-maintained, paved road.
A bank barn is located directly across from the house and is surrounded by approximately 10 acres of pasture with a cow pond.
The 2 BR, 1 BA 2-story house has newer metal roof/siding/windows and is in very good condition. There is propane heat with a newer hot air furnace, as well as electric radiator panels in the kitchen and living room as an alternative. A wood stove could be added in the basement or living room. Off the entry is a bonus room that could be made into an extra bedroom with a bath.
A neighbor makes hay from the pasture and has monitored and amended the soil as needed. Behind the house is 40 acres of pasture and woodland. Additional acreage includes conservable meadow, fen/wetland and bog. The pasture was planted with hedgerow trees and warm season grasses while enrolled in a USDA conservation program from 2011-2022. Approximately 15 acres of woodland is located at the far back of the parcel, which has been logged sustainable using a consulting forester, most recently in 2020.
The valley is a mix of legacy family farms and farmettes with cattle, goats, horses, corn and soybean crops. Some Plain Sect families own properties in the immediate area, but most do not farm.
It would be great to make this a working farm again.
Sale–prefer conventional bank loan or cash. The right buyer will have a plan and money lined up.
My property has been farmed over the past 5+ years in both corn and soybeans and I am interested in having a farmer come in with long-term goals in mind with a focus on sustainability. Will consider discussions with farmers looking to crop, raise livestock, and/or produce vegetables.
The farmed area represents 13 acres. The land is in the Sweet Valley area and easily accessible off a main road. The land slopes downhill to a wood line before a steep decline to a creek. Soil types are WIC and OID.
I am looking for a rent or lease agreement. There is a large bank barn and well for water access that I would consider to be included in any agreement.
Farmland Lease available in Centre County
1-10 acres available for garden/ farming or for raising a few horses/ cows
Access to a tractor
LOCATION: In Julian, PA, 20-minute drive from Penn State/ Downtown State College
For lease- pricing is negotiable; If you are interested in farming, your business plan will be reviewed for consideration.
Possible access to a Barn: 1600 square feet, Pole 1.5 Story. Has electricity & water. Up to 8 stalls.
Outdoor Pavilion: 20’x30’ covered picnic pavilion with cement floor and electrical wiring.
Fenced in area for Horses or Cows- 8 acres
At least 2 acres available with good sun exposure for gardening.
Access to a tractor
In addition to rent, there is an opportunity to work off some of your rental cost by being a caretaker at adjacent farms. Work available at adjacent farms varies from 5-20 hours a week and this work can be discounted from the rent.
If interested in being a caretaker to offset the cost of the rent, candidates must have: COVID vaccine, Own transportation, Clean record, Strong work ethic, Non-Smoker, and Comfortable interacting with guests at adjoining properties.
Ideal if the candidate has experience with any of the following areas: Farming, Gardening, Farm Animal Care, Handy Person Work, Construction, Housekeeping, and/or Hotel or Travel Services