Compact Farms

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 less than five acres. The farm plans explain how to harness an area's water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximise efficiency and productivity while minimising 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 realise your farm dreams.

“"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”

"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 "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 "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 "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 "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

Chet Ballard is Professor of Sociology at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. He has served as president of the Georgia Sociological Association, vice-president of the Association for Humanist Sociology, and has produced over 20 scholarly articles and research reports. His most recent research describes how rural public school systems in Georgia are employing technology in efforts to prevent school violence.

Jon Gubbay is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of East Anglia. He has a wide range of research interests including the sociology of higher education curricula, housing

Small Farms Work. When it comes to farming, it turns out that small isn't only beautiful - small is also sustainable, manageable, and productive. Come along on a tour of 15 successful farms, from urban rooftops to rural retreats, all flourishing on five acres of land or less. Learn from veteran farmers like Eliot Coleman and a new generation of growers like Jean-Martin Fortier how small-scale farms can be profitable, fulfilling, and vital to their communities; then set your dreams on the right track with tips and resources for planning your own compact farm.

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