Company description Forest Grove Farm occupies about 20 acres just outside Sandersville, Georgia.  For seven years we have developed a meat-sheep herd and gardens for vegetables and fruits. Recently we acquired 40 laying chickens.  Attendance at three farmers markets is ongoing.  A Georgia mobile meat license and state-approved labels for lamb and mutton are currently active. Plans for future improvement and expansion are always on our minds. We are currently spear-heading a cooperative with 5 other farms and will sell vegetable and meat products to restaurants. See facebook.com/middlegagrowers/

• The sheep are Katahdin/Dorper cross; they are primarily grass-fed, and live all their lives on pasture with no hormones or antibiotics. They are rotated frequently, which involves planning ahead, moving shelters, troughs, and water tubs.

• We grow vegetables using organic methods and fertilizers, and OMRI listed pesticides.  The vegetables and a fruit orchard are inside 2 & 3/4 acres protected by a professionally constructed deer-fence.  There is space for planting more fruits and vegetables. 

Job description

   Lease Forest Grove Farm

• Are you a farmer?
• Do you need land?
• Join the passionate sustainable farming movement in Middle Georgia!

Forest Grove Farm is seeking an experienced farmer to lease the farm operation. The owner/producer has run the farm for seven years and now getting older, wishes to retire.  The fee would be in the realm of $300 per month, machinery and housing included.  The leaser/operator would buy supplies for maintenance (e.g. feed, seed, fertilizer, etc.) and of course, would keep their income.  Participation in farmers markets and contacts with restaurants can be transferred to the new operator.

Twenty acres of pasture and vegetable gardens are part of a larger historic property.  About 3 acres are enclosed by a professionally-built deer fence for growing vegetables and fruit.  About 17 acres are fenced to create 12 paddocks for meat sheep. Another large paddock is planned.

The Khatadin/Dorper herd now numbers 38, including 10 pregnant ewes and 15 young ewes to be bred in the spring of 2017.  A mobile meat license and lamb labels are established. The infrastructure includes two tractors, various implements, freezer room, wash shed, etc.  Two mobile chicken coops can house about 40 free-range chickens.

Currently, available housing consists of a small one-bedroom house with a full bath, and a “WOOFer” type room with an outdoor composting toilet.  A handy person could convert one of the smoke houses into an additional tiny house.  Wifi is provided.

FGF is part of a small but passionate sustainable farming community in middle Georgia.  We are developing a coop for selling to restaurants in the larger cities.  This lease arrangement seeks a hard working "go-getter," with innovative marketing ideas and a commitment to the principles of sustainable farming.

Compensation this position is : contract Application instructions Deadlineno deadline