Designing Sustainable Small Farms

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

STAGING

Finally, the overall design is complete. Functions and species have been mapped and you know what goes where and why. But you're not quite finished with the paperwork. You need an implementation plan-a timetable defining the sequence in which farm components will be established.

Some components, of course, must be operational before others can function. Fences or hedgerows must be functional before animals are let loose ... and the orchard should be blooming before beehives are introduced.

Also keep in mind that components closest to the hub of activity should be established first. Implementation always begins at the back door and moves outward.

In addition, the sequence of events should mirror your skill development. Start small and simple, then add more complex components as your skills and confidence increase.

BUDGETING

Although you've been planning within a budget all along (right?), at this point you must sit down and allocate where each dollar and cent is going. True, prospective economic returns often differ from actual dollars in the pocket ... still, with the staged design as a reference, you must prepare a "best guess" budget that includes capital and operating costs for each year. Enterprise Farming (see the reading list) contains useful sample budgets for small farm operations, and your neighboring farmers and local extension agents may also be of help. Because most of the available data apply to conventional farms, you'll probably need to estimate costs for many of the components of a permaculture operation.

It's possible that preparing this detailed budget may force you to modify crop choices and management strategies ... perhaps by eliminating some costly practices and adding more profitable crops.

HOME, SWEET HOME You're done! Remember, though, that the design process is just that-a process. The final design is not cast in concrete, but is rather a preliminary tool to evolve from. However, because you've consid ered your site in its entirety and have followed a process that repeat edly checks your objectives and resources, you should have avoided serious mistakes. As the land matures over the years, you'll want to add some elements and perhaps modify others. So during the im plementation process, remain mindful of your work, let the landscape teach you at its own speed ... and take satisfaction in the fact that in your own backyard, you've taken a step toward making a self nurturing agricultural system become a reality. EDITOR'S NOTE: The New Alchemy Institute is a 15-year-old non profit organization that conducts research, educational, and outreach pro grams promoting food, energy, and shelter systems that are envi ronmentally sound and economically efficient. Tax-deductible member ship in the institute is $35 per year and includes a subscription to the New Alchemy Quarterly (which reports on the work at the institute and contains articles by other researchers in biological agriculture and appropriate technology), a 20% discount on all institute publications and courses, and free admission to the Farm Saturday programs. To become a member, send a check or money order to New Alchemy Institute, Dept. ME, 237 Hatchville Rd., East Falmouth, MA 02536. Or, to receive more information, send a postcard with your name and address.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print