SJCC Land Bank Commission Chair - Letter Re: The Talking Horse Farm Acquisition and sale project

In response to recent concerns about this project, I wanted to provide clarity to the community on the specific details involved. The Land Bank is currently under contract to purchase this 122-acre property, with closing scheduled for late January 2027. While the Land Bank wishes to retain the western 82 acres to conserve high quality habitat and to extend public trail access from Beaverton Marsh Preserve, it hopes to find a buyer for the eastern 40 acres for a simultaneous closing. The eastern 40 acres has two residential structures and extensive farm infrastructure. The Land Bank is seeking proposals from interested purchasers with the hope of continuing agricultural use of the property.

• Why is the Land Bank seeking proposals from parties interested in purchasing the farm?  Protection of farmland is part of the Land Bank’s mandate, but its resources are limited, and its primary emphasis is on conservation, rather than management of farm properties. In this case, keeping the property in private ownership while retaining a conservation easement is by far the most cost-effective way of keeping the land in open space. The easement will limit residential structures to non-farmable areas and allow a farmer to own and manage the property.

• Why is the 40-acre parcel not being sold separately?  The current landowner prefers to sell the entire property and is not willing to consider a separate sale of the 40 acres. The Land Bank will need to assign a part of its purchase and sale agreement for the joint closing.

• What criteria is the Land Bank looking for in selecting a party to purchase the farm?  The Land Bank is seeking to preserve the agricultural heritage of the farm. Proposals should clearly identify:  1) Overall goals for the farm; 2) Previous farming experience; 3) How proposed agricultural activities will contribute to the local agricultural food system; 4) Proposed actions to follow closing; 5) Any potential partners; and 6) A funding plan including an offer for earnest money and a clear indication of capacity to pay the remainder of the purchase price to at closing. Written proposals must be received no later than September 30, 2026. 

• How has the purchase price been established?  The purchase price reflects the current market value of the land as established by the landowner and realtor.  

• Why can’t the timeline be extended?  Instead of listing the whole property on the open market in June of 2026, the seller entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the Land Bank, agreeing up front to an extended deadline for closing of January 2027. 

• Can the Land Bank purchase the entire 122 acres and then sell the 40 acres farm at a later date, giving potential buyers more time to find funding?  While this is possible, the Land Bank has a number of competing priority projects and cannot afford to purchase and manage the entire property and still meet its goals across the archipelago.  

• Can the Land Bank offer a bargain sale or sale at significantly below market value?  The Land Bank is a public agency, supported by voter-approved funding, and will not accept a below market offer from a private party. However, a non-profit entity specifically dedicated to farmland conservation may be eligible to purchase the property at a reduced price. This would require simultaneous closing in January 2027, otherwise the Land Bank would need to sell the 40 acres at market value.

• What was the timeline for the Land Bank regarding discussions for purchase of the entire 122 acres, including Talking Horse Farm?  
  • Early April, 2026: The Land Bank was initially contacted by the landowner to discuss the potential sale of the property.
  • Mid-late April: Meetings with seller’s realtor and, also current tenants.
  • Late April: Meetings regarding tenants’ interest and potential for listing the property.
  • May/June: Site visits with Land Bank Commissioners, possible partners, and tenants.
  • July 13: Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) signed by Land Bank.
  • July 16: Meeting with tenants regarding potential approaches for purchase.
  • July 17: Land Bank Commission Meeting including announcement of PSA, and public testimony from supportive neighbors.
  • August 4: Real estate listing of eastern 40-acre farmland tract.
  • August 21: Land Bank Commission Meeting including presentation by tenants about proposed Camas Commons concept and public testimony from supporters.

• What are the future deadlines?
  • September 30, 2026: Written proposals for purchase must be submitted to the Land Bank by 5pm.
  • October 16, 2026: Land Bank Commission will make a recommendation on preferred applicant.
  • Mid-November, 2026: Land Bank will do a partial assignment of the purchase and sale agreement for the 40 acres, including a Conservation Easement restricting residential development to NE corner of property, and allowing non-motorized trail access easement on a trail to the western 82 acres which the Land Bank will retain.
  • Late January, 2027: Simultaneous closing on purchase of 40 acres farmland and Land Bank purchase of 82 acres conservation land.

I hope this has offered answers to some of the questions that have been directed to the Land Bank. We welcome future questions, comments, and discussion.  

Sincerely,

Peggy Bill, Chair, SJCC Land Bank Commission

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