Sheri’s Ranch, commissioner Schinhofen team up for community farm project

An area brothel and a county commissioner are linking up to bring together what they said is a community-benefiting project to Pahrump.

Sheri’s Ranch and Nye County Commissioner Dan Schinhofen are teaming up to develop 100 acres of existing land owned by the legal brothel for a nonprofit community agricultural farm over the next several years.

The project will be developed in phases, with initial project plans that include a 20-acre vegetable garden.

“This is very much in the beginning phase, but I do plan to be able to plant by next spring,” Schinhofen said. “I have a few people that have said they will help run the equipment and I am looking for groups that would like to participate and maybe even have their own acre or five for their own plants.”

The yield from the farm, produce and monetary, will go toward a good cause.

“All sale proceeds or crops themselves will go to benefit the homeless people, veterans and seniors of Pahrump,” Schinhofen said. “I was asked to help coordinate so that lower-income families and homeless, church groups, and food banks might be able to offer fresh vegetables.

Schinhofen explained that the timing of the farm is just a coincidence with the possible brothel code changes that could be decided on at the Sept. 22 commissioners’ meeting.

“One has nothing to do with the other,” he said. “The chairman of the liquor and license board has talked about bringing forward some changes for years. It so happens that he is finally ready at the same time as this project came up.”

Schinhofen said that with the project being in the area he presided over, that he was brought in to help get the ball rolling.

“I was approached by one of the owners that wanted help to get this thing moving and since it is located entirely in my district and about a half mile from my house, I agreed to help,” he said.

Sheri’s Ranch will provide the land, water, security and the initial funds, which includes installing a 5,000-gallon water tank shortly, to ensure the joint project is a successful venture.

“Sheri’s Ranch is spending money getting a bigger tank and funds for equipment, etc.,” Schinhofen said.

Pahrump-based Civil Wise Engineering is donating time and labor to provide civil engineering plans for the farm.

“Commissioner Schinhofen has spent his free time arranging the equipment and volunteers to get the grading started,” said Chuck Lee, Sheri’s Ranch owner. “We are pleased with the commissioner’s plan to help the community and his pledge to continue to support this ongoing project.”

Future additions to the farming project include a 20-acre fruit tree orchard, a 10-acre fish pond for commercial sale, and 50 acres for growing alfalfa.

All revenue from the agricultural project will go to support the lower-income residential community of Pahrump.

“Rather than just planting hay, they thought that actually growing food would be more beneficial for the community and I agree,” Schinhofen said. “I am hoping to get groups involved that will not only express interest, but help out when it comes time to plant and harvest whatever is grown.”

Schinhofen explained that a team of community partners, including businesses and residents in Nye County, have volunteered their time to tend to the crops and handle revenue and disbursement.

“I am not ready to name names yet, but have had a good response (so far),” he said.

Lee explained that in the end, the farm will be for the full benefit of the Pahrump Valley.

“This project is a truly home-grown, community-driven endeavor that we can’t wait to see come to fruition,” Lee said.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.