After growing organic vegetables and fruit for 50 years just 35 mi. from downtown Pittsburgh, we've retired. We've tried to keep our soil very healthy with long term rotations--never going more than 3-4 years without rotating to soil improving alfalfa. For at least 20 years we have grown our own nitrogen with legumes. We've participated in numerous soil health surveys and always come up looking very good. There are gorgeous mature hardwoods on the property which have been selectively harvested over the years; plus lots of firewood for home and greenhouse. (this could provide a little income too) Just two years ago we serviced 1300 CSA members all over the metro area. Since then we've rented small acreage to several younger farmers, but the bulk of the land has been transitioned into alafala so as to be in good condition to begin rotations a permanent farmer is found. The farm is in just on the suburban edge of Pittsburgh in New Sewickely Township. It's largely still rural and agricultural. The many farming neighbors include a young part time farmer across the road raising grass fed beef and pastured chickens; share a fenceline with former dairy farmer/ now grain farmer/state senator/chair of ag committee. We've continued to rent an additional 10 A adjoining as we've done for over a decade because it's adjoining and great farmland accessible from our last irrigation main. We've made a great living here. 10 minutes away is the still thriving small town of Zelienople, walkable, and now becoming a fine dining hub.
At ages 74 and 76, we'd like to continue to enjoy living on the farm while it's transitioning to the next generation. But it's available to farm. Contact us and we'll see how we can make it work. We won't sell, but rather donate it to an agricultural trust to be leased in perpetuity for the production of food. Lots to explain there, but can't do it in a few words. We know this is a new concept, but we want to make the land available to whomever will love it and care for it as we have done.