Compact Farms

Description

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. 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 pro'fitable 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 maximise 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 endeavour from hobby to career. These real-life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realise your farm dreams. AUTHOR: Josh Volk is the proprietor of Slow Hand Farm in Portland, Oregon, and 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. SELLING POINTS: . Plans for the small market farmer. Whether the goal is to have a roadside farmstand or sell at a farmers' market, Compact Farms offers expert instruction side-by-side with illustrated plans for laying out a productive small farm. . Small is beautiful. With plans starting at just a quarter of an acre in size, anyone can have their own farm, even on a city lot. A . Expert advice from high-profile, successful market farmers. Principles are backed by real-world examples of small, successful, well-known farmers who make primary incomes from their farms, illustrating that running a small farm need not just be a hobby, but can be a way of life. . Author expertise. Josh Volk is the proprietor of Slow Hand Farm in Portland, Oregon, and a popular speaker at conferences on sustainable farming.

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.

"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 experienced farmers will glean new wisdom from the thoughtful tools and careful techniques in this book." -- Lindsey Lusher Shute, National Young Farmers Coalition executive director and co-founder "A huge proponent of small-scale agriculture, Oregon farmer Josh Volk outlines 15 case studies -- real-life operations on five acres or less -- that prove it's possible to make a living off very little land." -- Modern Farmer "If you're an aspiring small farmer -- or you just want to feel optimistic about the future of farming -- Compact Farms is one of those things to celebrate." -- SlowFoodUSA.org