Well, with Covid and the "easy money", real estate went crazy. There were listings for hundreds of thousands for a couple acres of swamp and they were selling in hours. How different this year is - yet sellers were not willing to accept the change.
So after a number of false starts (and although I do not believe the market has bottomed yet), I took the leap to get in this growing season and signed up to buy a small 49 acre (19 Hectare) neglected dairy farm in eastern Ontario, Canada in zone 5(just in b). I believe there is a great opportunity to create a wonderful micro-climate here though.
Is in a catchment valley with 3 distinct soil types ranging from a loam near the road, to "Napanee clay" in the middle to very shallow loam at the back. The only buildings currently are a rather dilapidated century barn and a few leaning sheds and an old grain silo. Most of the farm is currently pasture and most of the immediate neighbours are also cattle farmers. My hope is that this should limit any pesticides use in the lager area. I have not as of yet done a full soil test - yes I know I should have...
Its mostly pasture currently, with some clear erosion with few wind breaks. The term regenerative is definitely appropriate. I spent the last few hours repeating the mantra - "its a journey not a destination."
I have not even walked it all yet. I walked a bit of it a few weeks ago, and I could see and "feel" the potential though. The diversity and range seldom found in such a small lot in Ontario.
If all goes well, I take possession on the 4th of May. Yes "may the 4th be with me". Time to get planning.