Polymeadows

Polymeadows Farm Owners of conserved farm seeking farm buyers - Shaftsbury, Vermont Background and Information The owners of a 262 acre farm in Shaftsbury are seeking a buyer to continue farming at this prominent location in Shaftsbury, Vermont on Route 7.

In addition, the owners are willing to sell their successful goat dairy business separately. The goat dairy business, Polymeadows Farm, has an on-farm processing plant, list of retail and wholesale customers, goat herd, which includes 120 milking goats and all needed equipment. The owners are willing to assist a buyer during a transition phase. This is a turnkey farm operation opportunity complete with markets for all goat dairy products.

Property Description The property, located on the east side of Route 7A in Shaftsbury is set nicely for any farm buyer looking to do direct market sales. 262 acres are conserved which include the historic 4 bedroom farmhouse, a three bedroom farm labor house, milking barn with milking parlor and outbuildings. The licensed dairy plant is conveniently attached to the main house.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the main house dates back to 1807 and is a part of the Shaftsbury Historical District. Although the property is on a main road, it is set back to allow for privacy. An outdoor wood furnace is the primary source of heat for both houses, with oil furnaces for backup. Public utilities available to the subject property include electric and telephone, with private artesian wells and septic tank/fields utilized in the absence of public facilities.

The dairy barn is a one and a half story, wood frame building that contains 13,264 square feet, with wood framing, wood siding, metal roof installed in 2006, concrete floors half of which was replaced in 2005 (with concrete block walls in the milking parlor section of the barn) . The first (main) floor consists of open stall areas, feeding troughs and the milking parlor. The loft area contains open hay storage with half of the flooring being replaced in 2005.

The building is in fair to average condition.

There are 202 acres of prime soils that slope gently to the south. 167 acres are tillable and 25 acres are pasture.

The land treated naturally for at least 5 years with hay being the crop harvested. Views from the farm are exceptional, especially toward the south and east.

There is a contiguous 138 acre woodlot which is also available. This is not conserved land.

Conservation Restrictions The farm is subject to a perpetual farmland conservation easement that includes an option to purchase at agricultural value. This option allows the Vermont Land Trust to purchase the farm at its agricultural value should the buyer (or a future owner) attempt to sell the farm to a non-farmer. This provision is added to the easement to ensure the long-term affordability of the property to future farm owner-operators. Complete copy of the conservation easement may be made available upon request.

Sale Price The property has been appraised at $420,000. The owners are also willing to sell the Polymeadows goat dairy business and equipment separately to a buyer who is interested in continuing the operation. Specific terms for the sale of the business can be discussed with serious buyers.

Interested Buyers If interested, please contact Jennifer and Melvin Lawrence at jnmlaw@gmail.com or by phone 802-688-3499 or 802-447-7393. Enclosed are locator, aerial photo and soils maps.