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

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Land Resources

Soil Soil types, texture Organic matter

content pH

Vegetation Timber area Weed problem

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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.