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Sustainable Small Farming & Ranching. Evaluation of Resources. What are the possibilities?. Inventory of Resources. You need to determine what you have… So you can see the possibilities of what you can do. Human Resources, Skills & Interests. Personal (and family) interests - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Evaluationof Resources Sustainable Small Farming & Ranching
What are the possibilities?
Inventory of Resources
You need to determine what you have… So you can see the possibilities of what you can do.
Human Resources, Skills & Interests
Personal (and family) interests
Experience/skills that have prepared you for farming or other small acreage venture.
Your Financial Resources
What you have in mind…
What you can afford???
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Understanding your financial resources
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Understanding your financial resources
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Look at your natural resources
Land
Vegetation
Water
ClimateMS clipart
Land Resources
Soil Soil types, texture Organic matter
content pH
Vegetation Timber area Weed problem
areas MS Clipart
Water Resource considerations - Surface water (streams, creeks, or
ponds) on your property?
Water rights for this surface water?
Existing wells – Water capacity? Limitations on amount and type of usage?
Climate considerations
Growing season (first and last frost) Minimum winter temperatures
(hardiness zone) Precipitation Micro climates Winds Sun – aspect and coverage
Climate Considerations
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Physical Resources Buildings – number, uses, condition
Fencing – type, condition
Equipment – condition, uses
Other??
Create a map of your property
Helps you see the “whole” picture
Identifies assets and problem areas
Allows you the option to look at different scenarios.
Provided by Living on the Land, Western SARE PDP
Provided by Living on the Land, Western SARE PDP
Well
Marshy
Stream
Weedy
Septic
Gate
Fence
Trees
LegendAcres = 25
Animals: 6 cattle, 1 horse, 3 goats
Pastures = 1
Months animals grazed = 9
Soils = sandy clay loam, silt
Grasses present = T. fescue, orchard, clover, bent grassWeeds present = Canada Thistle, pigweed
House
Barn Barn
Property Map
Manure pile
Water trough
Bare ground
Barn
Provided by Living on the Land, Western SARE PDP
To include on your map Buildings – house, barns, shed, etc
Facilities – pastures, fences, wells, septic tanks, power lines, sewer lines, etc
Assets – existing vegetation, pastures, streams, ponds, irrigation features
Problems – easements, weed areas, etc.
Resource evaluation includes knowing legal limitations:
Water rights
Regulations – federal, state, county, city
Zoning
Other
State / Local Regulations
Health regulations Noxious weed laws Animal issues Nuisance laws Right to farm
ordinances Zoning issues
CSU Extension
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Zoning Issues limit or establish:
The allowed uses for your land
The number and type of animals
A ratio of building to land Setbacks and/or easements
within your zone
Other Resource Considerations
Labor – availability, skills and expertise to contribute, potential sources for contact.
Byproducts - If applicable, are there currently waste resources that could be turned to product?
Liability -
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Market Resources Demographics of area
Location of market outlets
Availability of processing
Community Resources
Extension to help with production and marketing
NRCS, Soil & Water Conservation Districts can help with conservation
Small Business Development Centers can
help with business plans
Banks to consider loans
Summary
Know what you have before making plans
Assess whole farm resources for current and future potential
Look at human, financial, natural, physical, market and community resources
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CreditsPresentation developed by Cultivating Success
TM: Sustainable Small Farms Education.
Photos provided by Cultivating Success
TM staff, unless otherwise noted.
Video segments taken from:“Affinity Farm: A Small-Acreage Farm Shares Strategies” produced by Ben Troka, University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Copywrite 2005, University of Idaho.
“Meadowlark Farm: A Case Study of a Small-Acreage Farm” produced by Ben Troka, University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Copywrite 2005, University of Idaho.
“Riley Creek Blueberry Farm: A Case Study of a Small-Acreage Farm” produced by Ben Troka, University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Copywrite 2002, University of Idaho Extension.
“Nothing But Herbs: A Case Study of a Small-Acreage Farm” produced by Ben Troka, University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Copywrite 2001, University of Idaho Extension.
