Ottawa-area farmer giving land away for free

Apr 10, 2017

Stephen Overbury says he’s looking for people unafraid of hard work

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Before Stephen Overbury returns to Japan, he wants to make sure his 50-acre farm near Smith Falls, Ont. is left to the right people.

Overbury posted an ad online stating his farm is available for free but he won’t give it to just anyone.

“The ‘catch’ for assuming usage of this stellar property, make no mistake about it, is HARD WORK and total COMMITMENT to making use of the property and showing a genuine interest in animal welfare,” the ad reads. “Yes, it was a small fortune to buy but you won’t have that headache.”

Applicants must provide their reasons for wanting the farm, references and a signed waiver allowing for a background check.

The small farm operation has four barns, equipment, a vehicle and stone house from the 1830s. The house has a wood-burning stove and oil heating system. The new owners would also inherit some cows, chickens, ducks and sheep.

If Overbury wanted to sell the farm he would have to dispose of the animals, he told CBC, adding some of the animals are older.

And he stressed even some commonly unwanted visitors should be welcome on the farm.

“Applicants must love and respect all animals,” the ad says. “Whether this means mice, rats, rabbits, coyotes … and other so called ‘nuisance animals.’”

The 62-year old took possession of the farm about three years ago but the upkeep has become difficult for him. If Overbury can’t find the right person to give the farm to, however, he’ll stay.

“Thirty below zero, slugging around and feeding the cows? This is sheer hard work, and it is not for everybody,” he told CBC.

“And I know that somebody else coming in, that’s the right fit, will treat the animals with compassion – and I’ll benefit from that comfort,” he told CBC.

To date, the ad has been viewed more than 88,000 times.

Farms.com has reached out to Overbury for an update on the applicant search.

A farmer in North Carolina is also giving their farm away in a unique way.

Applicants can pay $300 to enter a 200-word essay contest. The winner will receive a 12.88 acre USDA-certified organic farm.

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