If you’ve always dreamed of owning a farm, and you’ve got writing chops, then you could have exactly what it takes to win this essay contest. The prize? A 12.88 acre organic farm in North Carolina.
The property comes equipped with a lovely house, a lavender field, green house, distiller, chicken coop and barn. And yes, you could own all of this just for writing an incredible 200-word essay. You might need to pinch yourself, but yes, this is indeed real!
The owner of Bluebird Hill Farm in Bennett, North Carolina, believes in making it possible for farm owners to get on their feet. And what does that require? Well, a whole lotta land.
The Bluebird Hill Farm website quotes Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden saying, “Many producers, especially new and underserved farmers, tell us that access to land is one of the biggest challenges they face in establishing and growing their own farming operation.”
And that’s precisely why owner Norma Burns is going to do something about this issue. The winner of the contest will walk away with the title to North Carolina farm, which was last valued at $450,000.
On top of that, as long as there are enough submissions, the new owner will also receive $50,000 in cash “to be used for transitions costs.” This is how much Burns wants to ensure her organic farm falls into the right hands.
There are some rules in place, however. For starters, you must meet the basic requirements.
According to the website, you’re a fit for this contest if you… “You and your partner (of any description) are aspiring farmers. You believe that there’s no better calling in life than raising organic food. You’ve gotten experience and training. You’re willing and able to put in the long days and hard work that farming requires.
The only thing you don’t have is … a farm!
Bluebird Hill Farm believes in making it possible for new farmers to get started.”
If that describes you, then you should definitely start forming a draft of your essay now. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2017. There’s a $300 submission fee along with the essay. But, if you can form the words and gather up the cash, this farm could be yours!
[h/t: Mental Floss]