FARMLAND AVAILABLE Through Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Farmland Access Initiative

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is seeking farmers interested in leasing land to grow crops or raise livestock as part of its Farmland Access Initiative.

In April 2020, WPC acquired farmland located less than an hour east of Pittsburgh, off the PA Turnpike (I-76) in South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County (<10 minutes from New Stanton exit). The property is now available for lease for small-scale agricultural production for our local Pittsburgh market.

Farmland Details

  • Location: 238 Stillwagon Rd., Ruffs Dale, PA 15679
  • Available acreage: Approximately 18 acres of fields, plus approximately 7.25 acres of no-till “restoration” area suitable for low-intensity production of fruit, nuts, or mushrooms.
  • Existing buildings: 19th-Century log cabin with frame addition, springhouse, bank barn, 4-car garage, chicken coop
  • Required certification: Certified Naturally Grown, USDA Certified Organic, or a closely related set of standards approved by WPC.
  • Water: Water available at the barn.
  • Food distribution methods: The primary market will be the Pittsburgh regional food supply. Methods may include pick-your-own, CSA, roadside stands, farmers markets or direct sales. A portion of the products are to be supplied within the City of Pittsburgh.
  • Tools and equipment: To be provided by the farmer.
  • Application: Interested farmers must submit a proposal that includes a 3-year business plan, resume, one-year budget, and proposed rental rates for the fields, the barn, and the house (if applicable).

Selected farmers are required to have commercial and automobile liability insurance, excess liability insurance, and workman’s compensation insurance (if applicable). In addition, an Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation Plan, Conservation Plan, Manure Management Plan, and Grazing Plan will be required if applicable.

For more information or to submit a proposal, contact Andrew Zadnik at 412-977-9681 or azadnik@paconserve.org