Compact Farms: 15 Proven Plans for Market Farms on 5 Acres or Less; Includes Detailed Farm Layouts for Productivity and Efficiency - Paperback

by Josh Volk (Author), Michael Ableman (Foreword by)

Small is beautiful, and these 15 real farm plans show that small-scale farmers can have big-time success. Compact Farms is an illustrated guide for anyone dreaming of starting, expanding, or perfecting a profitable farming enterprise on five acres or less. The farm plans explain how to harness an area's water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing effort. Profiles of well-known farmers such as Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier show that farming on a small scale in any region, in both urban and rural settings, can provide enough income to turn the endeavor from hobby to career. These real-life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realize your farm dreams.

Front Jacket

Small Farms Work.

When it comes to farming, it turns out that small isn't only beautiful - small is also sustainable, manageable, and productive. Come along on a tour of 15 successful farms, from urban rooftops to rural retreats, all flourishing on five acres of land or less. Learn from veteran farmers like Eliot Coleman and a new generation of growers like Jean-Martin Fortier how small-scale farms can be profitable, fulfilling, and vital to their communities; then set your dreams on the right track with tips and resources for planning your own compact farm.