Historic O'Neil Farm (HOF) is Open to Interested Farmers
The Mission of the HOF is to maintain the 145 –acre farm in agriculture in perpetuity, preserving and protecting the historic landscape and natural habitat, providing educational programs, and offering public access to the farm. At the moment the HOF is at a point of transition. After many decades of his dedicated work as a dairy farmer, Carl O’Neil is considering retirement.
The outlook for a viable wholesale dairy operation, which has sustained the farm, is not good unless that operation is supported in other ways. There used to be lots of O'Neil-like farms, many of which are now housing developments, industrial parks or other "developed" areas of nearby towns. Thanks to Carl’s generosity and commitment the farm will not succumb to development likes many other small New England farms.
The property has a long history in local agriculture and is a large open space in a town that values its agricultural heritage and open space. Duxbury is an affluent community that has supported endeavors that recognize history and a sense of place. In addi[on, the farm’s agricultural resources of hayfields, a running creek, segmented grazing areas that lend themselves to sustainable practices, and enough land to support a small herd will all benefit the farm going forward. The HOF must consider looking beyond the current wholesale dairy operation to a future that capitalizes on the location, history, and products to provide to our community.
The HOF recognizes this opportunity and stewardship responsibility.
The HOF seeks proposals from qualified organiza[ons and individuals to farm land for agricultural use on all or a portion of approximately 70 acres located at 146 Winter Street, and north of Autumn Avenue in Duxbury, Massachusetts. It is the HOF’s intent to enter into a partnership with one or more farmers to maintain this property in agriculture and maintain the farming heritage.
The HOF is committed to best management practices as accepted by MDAR that improve the productivity of the land. HOF’s desire is for the cultivation of farm products for local human consumption and to invite community engagement to develop a deeper connection with food
and where it comes from.
Further, the HOF is interested in maintaining a dairy presence to the greatest extent practicable as determined by the applicant farmer.
The HOF’s primary objective with this RFP and subsequent license is to ensure the property will be actively farmed and maintained, including possibly cultivation of food, to sell locally grown products and to encourage community engagement.
This RFP information is being posted on January 1, 2024 and all applications must be submitted by April 1, 2024.
RFP Information Application
The Mission of the HOF is to maintain the 145 –acre farm in agriculture in perpetuity, preserving and protecting the historic landscape and natural habitat, providing educational programs, and offering public access to the farm. At the moment the HOF is at a point of transition. After many decades of his dedicated work as a dairy farmer, Carl O’Neil is considering retirement.
The outlook for a viable wholesale dairy operation, which has sustained the farm, is not good unless that operation is supported in other ways. There used to be lots of O'Neil-like farms, many of which are now housing developments, industrial parks or other "developed" areas of nearby towns. Thanks to Carl’s generosity and commitment the farm will not succumb to development likes many other small New England farms.
The property has a long history in local agriculture and is a large open space in a town that values its agricultural heritage and open space. Duxbury is an affluent community that has supported endeavors that recognize history and a sense of place. In addi[on, the farm’s agricultural resources of hayfields, a running creek, segmented grazing areas that lend themselves to sustainable practices, and enough land to support a small herd will all benefit the farm going forward. The HOF must consider looking beyond the current wholesale dairy operation to a future that capitalizes on the location, history, and products to provide to our community.
The HOF recognizes this opportunity and stewardship responsibility.
The HOF seeks proposals from qualified organiza[ons and individuals to farm land for agricultural use on all or a portion of approximately 70 acres located at 146 Winter Street, and north of Autumn Avenue in Duxbury, Massachusetts. It is the HOF’s intent to enter into a partnership with one or more farmers to maintain this property in agriculture and maintain the farming heritage.
The HOF is committed to best management practices as accepted by MDAR that improve the productivity of the land. HOF’s desire is for the cultivation of farm products for local human consumption and to invite community engagement to develop a deeper connection with food
and where it comes from.
Further, the HOF is interested in maintaining a dairy presence to the greatest extent practicable as determined by the applicant farmer.
The HOF’s primary objective with this RFP and subsequent license is to ensure the property will be actively farmed and maintained, including possibly cultivation of food, to sell locally grown products and to encourage community engagement.
This RFP information is being posted on January 1, 2024 and all applications must be submitted by April 1, 2024.
RFP Information Application
