ROMULUS, MI, Wayne County
Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Working arrangement with future partner
May 30, 2024
Acreage
- 23 Acres Available
- 16 Open Tillable Acres
Infrastructure and Equipment Available
Past/Current Land Usage
Vision for the Farm
We are interested in agroecological, regenerative farm management, particularly in agroforestry and silvopasture. We are not looking to sell right away, but to work with someone who might be able to take over the farm in the future (we are middle aged no kids) and do so in a way that would keep the many native fruit and nut trees we have planted in silvopasture and maintain farm management that is ecologically sound, socially equitable, and situates small farms as a key resources for local communities.
Past/Current Land Usage
Acreage description
Total property of 23 acres: 7.5 in forest, 9.5 tilled fields (currently leased out to another farmer, managed conventionally for row crops), remaining 6 acres are mixed orchard/silvopasture and homestead/infrastructure, managed organically but not certified. Within the 6 acres, there are two small parcels totaling 0.5 acres that are currently used as livestock pasture but could be shifted to market garden or other uses.
Description of the property’s current condition, current use(s), and past use(s)
The property is a long parcel (about 400 feet by 2500 feet) oriented north-to-south. At the north end is the 6-acre area managed without any synthetic agrochemical inputs since late 2017. This area comprises a house, detached garage, chicken coop, three pole barns, corn crib for infrastructure. There is an old apple/pear orchard where we have been planting in some new fruit trees as the older ones die out. There are two open pasture areas (0.25 acres each), one currently used for raising turkey poults one currently used for pig pasture. To the south of these is a silvopastoral system we have planted with mostly native fruit and nut trees that we use for raising pigs, lambs, chickens, and turkeys. Then there are the conventional fields rented out to another farmer (year-to-year lease, rotation between sweet corn, vegetables/fruits, and soy/grains), then at the southern end is the forest block.
Additional Information
We prefer to work with someone interested in organic, regenerative, and/or agroecological farming methods. In the past the farm was used for cattle production, tree fruits, and row crops (mainly potatoes); currently we focus on pastured livestock production (pigs, sheep, heritage breed poultry). Potential to expand tree fruit management and production, install/run a market garden. We have much of the necessary equipment.
Soil Type(s)
Loamy sand or sandy loam depending on exact location within the farm. Soil is slightly acidic and with high phosphorous levels (legacy phosphorous from previous decades of use).
Transition Agreement
Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Working arrangement with future partner
We are open to different arrangements that involve equitable and mutually-beneficial cooperative management. This might mean you living here with us (the upstairs of the house has 2 bedrooms, not occupied) and using part of the farm to manage as your own enterprise in exchange for help with farm chores, or cooperative ownership, or a rent-to-own type arrangement? I don't really have a clear idea of exactly what it would be yet, but we're open to discussions. My ideal vision is a cooperatively owned and managed farm with multiple farmers in residence.
Sale Price or Estimated Market Value
United States
Price for Lease Per Acre
United States
Production Preferences
Preferred Farming Method
Certified Organic, Organic Practices
