Mutually agreeable arrangement for use of 5 acres of irrigated land with established water rights in Curry County near Port Orford, on South Coast, on paved county road, 1 mile east of 101.


Description

We have 5 acres of irrigated fields (with established water rights) used for dry and wet harvest cranberry farming.  We have additional acres in grass land and timber, and we raise chickens and rabbits, providing materials for large-scale composting.  We have a large 3 bin concrete composting station (6 cubic yard capacity).   We have developed raised beds with improved soil in one of the 5 fields. The raised beds are currently used for raising conifer saplings for reforestation.  The raised beds would be suitable for nursery plants, root vegetables, or possibly above ground vegetables or tea plants (if adequately protected from ambient wind, temperature fluctuations, and deer/elk ).  We would like to talk to folks interested in using the fields for agricultural purposes including raising nursery plants, vegetables, dry harvest cranberries, tea plants, garlic, herbs, or other crop.  We have a furfur, blower and sorting equipment for dry harvesting cranberries.  Using methods we have piloted, the existing raised beds (five 10′ x 50′ beds) could be expanded substantially.  The fields have not had pesticides or herbicides applied in the last 3  years, so they could be certified organic in the near term.

Background information:  Our cranberry bogs have about 9 to 10 inches of sand resting on a clay base.  In winter time, the sand layer is wet, but the winter time water level could be lowered easily by modifying drainage.  The sand layer is not saturated in the summer time.  The raised beds are above the winter time water level.  The soil in the raised beds can be improved by mixing sand, compost and clay, and through planting clover or other green manure.  The soil has been improved in the five existing raised beds.  Developing additional raised beds requires raising the growing beds with available sand and clay and then improving the soil with compost and top soil.   The property is about 500 feet above sea level.

 


Owner’s Short Term Vision for the Property

In the raised planting beds, we are currently growing larch and coastal redwood for planting elsewhere on the property (we have 50 acres of timber land) and re-establishing the cranberry vines for limited dry harvest. We have an apple orchard and cherry trees for home consumption. We have a large flock of chickens for eggs, and also raise rabbits.


Owner’s Long Term Vision for the Property

We are growing trees and managing our timber land for long-term conservation. We plan to continue growing conifers for reforestation and dry harvest cranberries on the irrigated fields, but we are open to proposals for compatible uses of the 5 irrigated acres.


Current Use

We are currently growing conifer saplings (larch, coastal redwood) for planting elsewhere on our forest land. We are beginning to re-establish the cranberry vines around the raised beds. Dry harvest cranberries are an option, but wet harvest requires flooding the fields and is not an option at this time (although we have grown wet harvest cranberries in prior years). We have begun large scale composting.


Available Water / Irrigation

2 spring fed ponds with pumping stations delivering water to an irrigation holding pond with 2 pumps serving sprinklers in the 5 fields. Water rights have been established with the State of Oregon.


Soil Type / Quality

The fields are 9-10 inches of sand on a clay base. Excellent for growing cranberries and possibly blueberries, but not suitable for other crops in their current state. We have begun to develop raised growing beds (above the existing field level)by combining available sand, clay, top soil and compost. Growing vegetables would likely require a building a hoop house due to wind and diurnal temperature variation.


Buildings and Structures Available for Farm Use

There is a 20' X 50' out building with a concrete floor and electrical wiring, part of which could be used for agricultural purposes. The owner's son and daughter in law live on the property. There is a large chicken coop they use for raising chickens for eggs, as well as rabbit hutches. There is a 3 bin composting station (holding about 6 cubic yards). There is a large work shop with a heated studio space with bathroom and shower. There is a 500 sf guest house overlooking the Sixes River Valley with views to the Pacific Ocean (4 miles to the west) and the Coastal range to the east.


Farm Equipment Available for Use, Sale or Lease

2 Kubota BX tractors, one with front end loader. There is a Furfur for dry harvesting cranberries and a cranberry blower and sorter.


Any Restrictions That Could Limit Agricultural Production

We are not interested in having farm animals grazing on our property, apart from free range chickens.


What are you doing as a landholder to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your land and in your community?

Our family has a long history of supporting people with diverse backgrounds and working for equal opportunity for all. The Port Orford area is a great place to live if you want to live on a beautiful section of the Oregon Coast. There are many great folks in this area.


Locations of land listings on map are not necessarily exact. Many are located on the nearest town or city.
County: Curry

Farm Basics

Total Acreage: 80 acres

Acreage Available to Landseeker: 5 acres plus 4 additional acres for harvesting grass and other materials for composting with chicken and rabbit litter.

Date Property is Available: March 1, 2025

Possible Business Arrangements: Lease for cash, Lease for trade, Partnership, Other

Lease Rate / Price: We are happy to discuss arrangements that make sense for making this work in the short-term and the long-term. We think it is most likely to work for a person residing in the area interested in farming as a secondary source of income. We would work with a person motivated to develop a viable business to minimize your risks and to maximize likelihood of long-term success. We do not expect income for use of the land while new uses are being developed. Lease to own is not an option, but we are open to arrangements conducive to developing a successful business over the long run (long-term lease, partnership). While there is not unoccupied housing available on-site, we can discuss housing options that might be possible.

Date when this listing was created: November 12, 2024

Farming Practices

Current Farming Practices: Conventional

Farming Practices Allowed: Certified Organic, Organic, Not Certified, Conventional

Agriculture Types Suitable: Berries, Flowers, Herbs, Mushrooms, Nursery Stock, Orchard/Fruit, Poultry, Rabbits, Vegetables, Other

Farm Details

Housing Available? No

Water Available? Yes

Property Fenced? No

Land Holder Interested in Mentoring Land Seeker? No


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