Poudre Valley Community Farms (PVCF), a northern Colorado nonprofit dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers grow local food by connecting them to land and water, is seeking a farming partner for 2025 and beyond. PVCF coordinates Conservation Agriculture on a 150 acre shared access farm and Natural Area in south Fort Collins. We are looking for a farmer who is interested in growing food to achieve ecological objectives (improved soil health, irrigation water conservation, pollinator habitat conservation) in close collaboration with PVCF and the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department (FCNAD). The farmer will have access to up to 36 acres of the 150 acre parcel, with ample irrigation water and access to infrastructure, and a collaborative group of fellow farmers, ranchers, and partners on site. The producer will enter into a 5 year lease for the property.
Goals of the partnership:
Establish successful small farms on the Flores del Sol Natural Area to achieve ecological goals, grow food for the local community, provide stability for conservation-oriented farmers and ranchers, and create a collaborative network of farmers and ranchers practicing Conservation Agriculture. Producer deliverables: The selected producer will:
✔ Commit to farming in ways that achieve ecological goals (improved soil health, improved irrigation efficiency, providing pollinator habitat);
✔ Demonstrate ability to effectively farm up to 36 acres independently, while achieving ecological goals;
✔ Effectively manage weeds and land cover on leased area;
✔ Collaborate with other producers on property (farmers and graziers) to share resources and manage common areas (including weed management/mowing, sharing irrigation water);
✔ Communicate regularly with PVCF and FCNAD staff about conditions and unexpected challenges; and
✔ Participate in co-marketing opportunities with PVCF to support farmers and nonprofit fundraising.
Resources available to producer: FCNAD is the owner of the property and will be involved in establishing goals and expectations for ecological outcomes of farming. PVCF coordinates farming on the property and will provide access to land, water, and infrastructure, coordination with FCNAD and other producers, and limited support for operations, as needed. The following items will be available to the selected producer:
✔ Sole use of up to 36 acres of farmland suitable for drip irrigated and flood irrigated growing, with soil in average to above average condition;
✔ Sufficient raw irrigation water to irrigate up to 36 acres;
✔ Access to shared irrigation pond to support drip irrigation;
✔ Shared wash/pack and cold storage on site (to be completed by June 2025);
✔ Municipal water, electricity, trash pickup, sanitation and internet utilities on site (producers are responsible for monthly fees);
✔ Limited, shared funding to address maintenance and equipment needs on site;
✔ Assistance with maintenance tasks not routine in nature;
✔ Various irrigation infrastructure and equipment;
✔ Connection to community resources and other producers to support development and business success; and
✔ Opportunity to rent or purchase farmstand or heated high tunnel already on site.
Property details:
8101 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins, CO
Map of property and area available to lease
Up to 36 acres are available for lease, proposals may be made for a portion of the available area.
Proposal requirements: To be considered for this opportunity, please send a proposal (<5 pages in length) detailing:
1) your previous experience running a farming operation of comparable size;
2) your proposed farming plan for the next 3 years, including the number of acres you desire to lease, goals, operating budget, plans for financial sustainability, and infrastructure required (including irrigation water);
3) your proposed annual lease rate; and
4) your experience/interest in implementing Conservation Agriculture and/or regenerative farming practices.
Proposals should also include an agriculturally-focused resume and 2 references who can attest to your farming and/or conservation experience.
Send proposals to info@poudrevalleycommunityfarms.com
Applicants deemed qualified will be invited for interviews (in person or remote) with PVCF staff beginning in mid-January 2025. A producer will be selected based on experience and ability to carry out the proposal (past experience and current availability), commitment to ecological goals, and suitability of business plan to the property/opportunity.
PVCF is committed to supporting producers from diverse backgrounds and at all stages of their business development. If you have any questions about this opportunity or your suitability, please contact Stacy Lischka at stacy@poudrevalleycommunityfarms.com.