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.

About the Author
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.


Book Information
ISBN 9781612125947
Author Josh Volk
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Storey Publishing LLC
Publisher Workman Publishing
Weight(grams) 740g
Dimensions(mm) 252mm * 202mm * 16mm