Feature Farm

The recent preservation of an 83-acre farm in Leacock Township signifies the 250th farm preserved by Lancaster Farmland Trust. Owned by an Amish family, this farm represents not only a significant milestone in the Trust’s history, but also illustrates the type of farm that the Trust is thrilled to preserve. Located in the Trust’s strategic square, the farm contains 100% prime agricultural soils and is contiguous to two additional farms preserved by the Trust, creating a solid block of preserved farmland directly east of Gordonville.

The farm family first heard about the Trust’s preservation program through Lancaster Farming newspaper. They also had heard about the Trust from neighbors who had positive experiences preserving their own land.

When asked why they decided to preserve, the farm owner responded, “We always wanted to keep it in the family. It is close to Gordonville and a lot of people stop in the house and ask about buying it for development.” She didn’t want to see the land sold to developers since it is such a valuable piece of land for farming.

Both she and her husband were born and raised on farms. Her husband lived on the property for 53 years. Currently the land is being rented out to one of their nieces who grows tobacco, corn, and alfalfa on the property.

The farm owner continued, “It is a good thing we are doing (preserving farmland). It is important to keep the land for what it is meant for and for generations down the road.” The farm owners have four sons and one daughter, and one son is interested in farming and likes horses and cows.