The idea of breaking ground on your own farm can be exhilarating: the idea of your children learning the hard work and ethics of farming, giving fresh produce and meats back to your friends, knowing exactly what your family puts on the table, what it ate, how it was grown, and what went into it. A lot of people wonder if they need vast amounts of acreage and space to start their own farm, and the answer is no! You can farm on a much smaller scale and, with proper planning and utilization of what space you have, provide for most if not all of your family’s needs.
Let’s say you own one acre of land, and for the sake of simplicity let’s say it is relatively flat and clear.
On a single acre of land, you can’t really have a whole herd of cattle. That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to give up all of your hopes and dreams of farm fresh milk and homegrown beef. A single dairy cow can supply your family with all of the milk it needs and then some. Excess milk can go to your other livestock: chickens and pigs love milk and whey! Cow manure can be composted in turn for your garden. Keep in mind that a dairy cow requires daily milking, and she will eat a lot. Utilized to her full potential, however, she will be worth her weight in gold.
Half of your acre can become an area to grow fruits and vegetables of your desire. It may help to cut that area in half again to rotate the location of your garden every few years. This will maximize your production and preserve the quality of your soil. You can rotate your cow to graze on the portion of garden that is “resting”. She should have somewhere to stay in the winter, where she will need to be fed grains or hay. You could have her bred and raise her calf with her until it is sizable enough to sell, or you could trade it to someone to raise and in turn get back a portion of his/her meat for your freezer.
Chickens are an excellent addition to the homestead. Not only will they supply an abundance of eggs, but they will consume insects on your farm and serve as free pest control. You can either build a permanent coup or have a “chicken tractor” that you move regularly to allow the chickens to forage for insects and other edibles. Chickens should be fed a poultry feed but they can also eat milk, whey, and scraps from your garden and kitchen.
Other animal options for the small farm are sheep or goats, and pigs. It really comes down to your family’s goals and desires, and what space you do have to work with. Do not get discouraged if you have an acre, or even less. With proper planning you can utilize the space you have, and still live our your farm dream.
Need more information on funding or growing your family farm? Interested in making sure your farm is passed on to your children and remains in your family for years to come? Do you have tax questions about farming and farm purchases? Contact AgriLegacy for a free consultation.
