About
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. With the interest in small-scale, local-food farm production continuing to expand, Compact Farms speaks to the many new farmers who want to make a living on a small plot of land, with 15 detailed plans adapted from actual, successful farms ranging from .25 to 5 acres in both rural and urban locations. Josh Volk is the best-selling author of Compact Farms and the proprietor of Slow Hand Farm in Portland, Oregon. He has been working on and managing small farms around the country for the last 20 years, studying the systems that make them efficient. He travels in the United States and abroad, consulting with farmers and researchers, teaching farm apprentices and new farmers, presenting workshops at agricultural conferences, and writing articles for publications, including Growing for Market magazine. 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. Foreword by Michael Ableman
Preface
Part 1: Why Farm Small?
Compact Values and Strategies
Sustainability as a Core Goal
Part 2: Farm Profiles
Slow Hand Farm
Four Season Farm
Cook's Garden
Harvest Moon Flower Farm
Peregrine Farm
Liberty Gardens
Kealaola Farm
Les Jardins de la Grelinette
Groundswell Farm
Mellowfields Urban Farm
Full Plate Farm
Flywheel Farm
Leap Frog Farm
Cully Neighborhood Farm
Brooklyn Grange
Part 3: Nuts and Bolts
Planning and Designing Your Own
Making It Work Financially
Epilogue: Small Plans for the Future
Learning More
Index "Volk pushes back against the "get big or get out" narrative, making a strong case for how smaller farms can, and do, contribute to our nation and planet's health and livelihood." - The Huffington Post
"A very nuts-and-bolts look at successful small farms, which every farmer regardless of skill level and experience will enjoy." - Hobby Farms
"With both the business analysis and schematics of these small agricultural operations, this book is truly "human-scaled." Josh Volk reveals that there is an alternative to the hype of get big or get out. This is a must read for anyone serious about making it work on a small plot of land." - Richard McCarthy, Slow Food USA executive director
"Here is a clear path for getting started in the most noble of all careers: growing food for your community. This is essential inspiration for anyone thinking of getting into farming or wanting to scale back a larger farm. Small really is beautiful!" - Lynn Byczynski, publisher, Growing for Market
"A trove of inspiration and practical advice for the next wave of young farmers. Even experien
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. Foreword by Michael Ableman
Preface
Part 1: Why Farm Small?
Compact Values and Strategies
Sustainability as a Core Goal
Part 2: Farm Profiles
Slow Hand Farm
Four Season Farm
Cook's Garden
Harvest Moon Flower Farm
Peregrine Farm
Liberty Gardens
Kealaola Farm
Les Jardins de la Grelinette
Groundswell Farm
Mellowfields Urban Farm
Full Plate Farm
Flywheel Farm
Leap Frog Farm
Cully Neighborhood Farm
Brooklyn Grange
Part 3: Nuts and Bolts
Planning and Designing Your Own
Making It Work Financially
Epilogue: Small Plans for the Future
Learning More
Index "Volk pushes back against the "get big or get out" narrative, making a strong case for how smaller farms can, and do, contribute to our nation and planet's health and livelihood." - The Huffington Post
"A very nuts-and-bolts look at successful small farms, which every farmer regardless of skill level and experience will enjoy." - Hobby Farms
"With both the business analysis and schematics of these small agricultural operations, this book is truly "human-scaled." Josh Volk reveals that there is an alternative to the hype of get big or get out. This is a must read for anyone serious about making it work on a small plot of land." - Richard McCarthy, Slow Food USA executive director
"Here is a clear path for getting started in the most noble of all careers: growing food for your community. This is essential inspiration for anyone thinking of getting into farming or wanting to scale back a larger farm. Small really is beautiful!" - Lynn Byczynski, publisher, Growing for Market
"A trove of inspiration and practical advice for the next wave of young farmers. Even experien