House on 52 acres in central NY with affordable rent, w/potential to collaborate in farming venture

Our neighbor owns a 3 bedroom farmhouse on 52 acres in central NY, and is looking for a person/couple to live in the house in exchange for utilities (200$/mo) plus some maintenance and light carpentry.  He returns for 1 or 2 days every 2-3 weeks, but is out of town most of the time.  This is a beautiful property with great views, a large creek and gorge, and good soil for growing both perennials and annuals.  We have been given permission to farm the property, and are looking for some folks to join us.  Right now, I am growing a nice large potato patch down there and there are loads of apples.  I am thinking of moving some cows down there...especially if we get someone interested in farming living there.  Our place is right up the road within biking distance (only other permanent residence in the gorge).  We are off the grid, family of 4, 2 girls age 10 and 9, growing most of our own veggies and fruits, and keep chickens for eggs and meat and cows for meat, milk, and for restoring soil fertility.   The opportunity to work with us/trade is variable, based on what we all would prefer.  I am currently just growing food for the family/friends, but we could expand if we find the right people to work with.
thanks,
James

Hi I'm interested in farming with your family

Let us know a little bit about yourself, what kinds of skills you have, what you would like to do.  Have you been to the Northeast before?  Are you Ok with winter weather?  What are you interested in growing?

I am certified permaculture design I've been doing landscaping for 8 years. I haven't been to the northeast yet I've always wanted to. I am passionate about permaculture I believe in hard work and integrity. I'm interested in creating systems that work with nature and provides for people.

Great! I have done landscaping in the past.  Valerie used to live in Seattle and Port Townsend.  I lived with her in Port Townsend for a little while, and spent some time in B.C., so we know the Northwest.  This property, which belongs to our neighbor would be great for pasture, blueberries, apples, pears, peaches, potatoes.  With a little work it would grow just about any veggies.  I have been balancing the minerals in the soil, and in the places I have improved things grow really well.  Another problem is rabbits, woodchucks and deer.  We would love to have someone living and farming there to reduce their presence.  I think Kenn (the homeowner) would appreciate some permaculture touches to the landscape around the house.  
How do you feel about cows?  We would love to have someone there who was passionate about cows/pasture, who could keep an eye on them when we aren't there, and move their pasture.  
Would you be doing consulting work from home, or looking to do permaculture landscaping in town?  Ithaca is 20 miles away, a 35-40 minute drive.  And the season ends by December, and doesn't start up again until April.  It has been warmer the last 4 years, but initially when we moved here, we considered the driveway undriveable from december 15 to april 8th because it had more than 8 inches of snow on it.  Luckily, the house that is available for rent has a town maintained road right to the front door (unlike our house).  
-James

I love cows I would also like to be doing consulting in town. My main interest would be to help with the implementation of design . Would I need to stay during winter

We are looking for someone who would be here during the winter.  Basically, if you keep cattle, you need to be here in the winter to take care of them.  Also a fair bit of work gets done here in the winter: mineral and compost spreading, clearing brush, fencing (weather permitting), firewood cutting, starting veggies like onions, making compost from cow manure, fruit tree pruning, etc.  We are looking for someone who will be here through it all, not just the months where it is pleasant outside.  

The update: We moved our cows down to the property yesterday.  It was a bit of a rodeo, not much of the trip had laneways, but we made it.  The cows will bring the fertility back to the land (if we graze correctly).  We will be moving them frequently over there and feeding a little hay to increase the fertility.  The potatoes are growing nicely, and we just started harvesting them.  In the future I would like to dig ponds on the property and build swales to catch runoff.  If anyone wants an affordable place to live while learning to build soil and balance soil minerals with grazing and soil amendments, this is the place.  I may buy a tractor in the fall to help us with spreading manure, and tilling for more extensive veggie production.