Peabody farmer scoops up West Newbury land

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February 1, 2012

By Dyke Hendrickson Staff Writer The Salem News Wed Feb 01, 2012, 04:45 AM EST

PEABODY — Perhaps there is a future for farming in Essex County, based on last week's turnout for an auction of more than 130 acres of agricultural fields in West Newbury.

Farmer Ted Dunajski of Peabody entered the high bid of $675,000 to purchase approximately 135 acres, primarily near the public library. The property, previously owned by Tyler Kimball of Haverhill, was sold at foreclosure auction.

"We have about 200 cows in Peabody, and this (land) will fit in with what we do in terms of growing corn (for feed) and having extra acreage if we need it," Dunajski said.

Dunajski Dairy, on Buxton Lane, just off Pulaski Street, is the oldest continually operating family dairy farm in the area. Their milk is sold under the name Pure Country Dairy Products and delivered in trucks bearing the motto "There are cows in Peabody."

The land in West Newbury, which runs down to the Merrimack River, cannot be developed because its deed includes an agricultural preservation restriction.

Fifteen bidders showed up at the auction.

One unsuccessful bidder, who has financial interests in agriculture, said the parcel is both fertile and accessible.

Jere Myette, a New Hampshire landowner who attends numerous land auctions, said most of the bidders saw a potential value in the land.

"This is a desirable piece of land for an owner involved in agriculture," said Myette, who was the high bidder recently for about 16 acres off Storey Avenue in Newburyport.

Asked whether farming can still be profitable, Myette said, "It depends how hard you work and what you do with the land. This is good acreage, and it drew 15 bidders. By putting down the deposit money, they seem to think that this land can help them in their work."

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Peabody farmer scoops up West Newbury land

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