Beloved Ancram farm owned by the Columbia Land Conservancy in good hands with Steelbow Farm
Ten years ago, farmers Don and Marnie MacLean faced a difficult situation. The fifth generation at Thompson-Finch Farm, they had grown organic crops and cared for the property’s soil, water, and wildlife since 1982. But they were in danger of losing the farm when Marnie’s parents passed away and expected funding fell through.
In order to keep this 200-acre property from being developed and to keep their farm in business, they reached out to the Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) to consider conservation options. CLC agreed that with more than 90 acres of prime soils, over a mile of frontage along the Roeliff Jansen Kill, over 10,000 customers visiting each year for its renowned you-pick strawberry and blueberry operation, this land should be protected.
In collaboration with partners Equity Trust, Dutchess Land Conservancy, and Scenic Hudson, the Columbia Land Conservancy and the MacLeans led a campaign to raise $1.5M through contributions from organizations, foundations, and more than 300 community members. In March 2019, CLC purchased the property from the MacLeans, permanently protected it with a conservation easement, and established a 99-year agricultural ground lease with the farmers ensuring that remain a working farm, forever.
This summer, the farm has passed into new hands – Jason and Finegan of Steelbow Farm. Jason and Finegan bring more than twenty years of farming experience, having worked on farms in the Northeast and in Central Texas. They moved to Ancram from Austin this April to spend time learning the land with Marnie.
“A ground-lease model lets us invest in the land and the business here, knowing that we aren’t going anywhere for the rest of our farming lives,” says Jason and Finegan. “It’s really exciting to be a part of creative and collaborative land access solutions as folks who have always leased. It feels pretty amazing to be able to get rooted and know that we can continue the legacy of a piece of property that is so beloved in the community.”
“CLC is honored that Don and Marnie put their trust in CLC to care for this property and we are excited to continue that legacy with Jason and Finnegan,” says Terence Duvall, Director of Land Protection and Stewardship. “Farmers in Columbia County face so many challenges including the high cost of land and a changing climate. We are proud to have been able to play a role in protecting this important farm and continuing its legacy.”
CLC was able to purchase this property thanks to funds from partners, grantors, and significant community support. To contribute to securing the next Thompson-Finch Farm, visit ColumbiaLand.org/gift to make a tax-deductible donation to CLC, a 501c3 nonprofit.
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Founded in 2017, Steelbow Farm is a small, dynamic operation. Now in our ninth season we are in the midst of a massive transition on to new soil and into a new community. Steelbow Farm is a human-centric, value-driven, farm growing specialty vegetables, fruits and culinary herbs for our friends and neighbors. We believe in regenerative agriculture, community building, and good times. Using organic practices, we grow varieties chosen for flavor and harvested with love and care. To learn more, call 415.317.4797 or visit SteelbowFarm.com.
