Black River Ranch Potential Member Survey |
1. Introduction
The following survey is designed to assess farmer interest in being part of a farmer-owned cooperative to lease farmland owned by the South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust (SSCFLT). We already know that affordable and long-term secure access to farmland is a significant obstacle for both new and current farmers. The SSCFLT's mission is to help meet this need. We need farmer input to help determine the feasibility of forming a Farm Cooperative as one strategy to help meet this need.
SSCFLT in partnership with Capitol Land Trust and other partners, is exploring the possibility of purchasing the Black River Ranch, a 722-acre dairy farm in south Thurston County. If successful, 322 acres and thousands of square feet of farm buildings would be owned by SSCFLT and available to local farmers through long term, affordable leases. If we are not successful in acquiring the Black River Ranch, our community farm land trust will immediately investigate other potential farmland acquisitions that might be appropriate for a Community Farm Cooperative.
A cooperative is a business owned by and democratically operated for the benefit of those using its services. It exists to serve its members.
The co-op’s member/owners (farmers) would control the administration of their lease with SSCFLT. As a group, the co-op would have the authority and foundation in place to implement other ventures as deemed necessary by its members. In addition to access to farmland, other potential cooperative benefits might be:
• Crop and land rotation coordination
• Bulk purchasing through economies of scale
• Shared building space, equipment, and labor agreements
• Co-marketing
This survey should take only 10 minutes. Your response to this survey will assist in building a more viable farming community in Thurston County.
Please answer each question thoroughly, so we can gather a complete picture. Please send back this survey ASAP, and no latter then the end of the month.
* Please answer each question thoroughly, so we can gather a complete picture.
If you would like to talk to us about the survey questions, or if you want more information about us, please contact:
Ben Guss
360.943.4241
Thank you!
SSCFLT in partnership with Capitol Land Trust and other partners, is exploring the possibility of purchasing the Black River Ranch, a 722-acre dairy farm in south Thurston County. If successful, 322 acres and thousands of square feet of farm buildings would be owned by SSCFLT and available to local farmers through long term, affordable leases. If we are not successful in acquiring the Black River Ranch, our community farm land trust will immediately investigate other potential farmland acquisitions that might be appropriate for a Community Farm Cooperative.
A cooperative is a business owned by and democratically operated for the benefit of those using its services. It exists to serve its members.
The co-op’s member/owners (farmers) would control the administration of their lease with SSCFLT. As a group, the co-op would have the authority and foundation in place to implement other ventures as deemed necessary by its members. In addition to access to farmland, other potential cooperative benefits might be:
• Crop and land rotation coordination
• Bulk purchasing through economies of scale
• Shared building space, equipment, and labor agreements
• Co-marketing
This survey should take only 10 minutes. Your response to this survey will assist in building a more viable farming community in Thurston County.
Please answer each question thoroughly, so we can gather a complete picture. Please send back this survey ASAP, and no latter then the end of the month.
* Please answer each question thoroughly, so we can gather a complete picture.
If you would like to talk to us about the survey questions, or if you want more information about us, please contact:
Ben Guss
360.943.4241
Thank you!