Are you interested in small market farms? Do you want to learn how to use space effectively, see tried and true layout examples, and get to know how to sell at farmer's markets? In 2017, Storey Publishing brought us another great book, Compact Farms: 15 Proven Plans for Market Farms on 5 Acres or Less, by Josh Volk of Slow Hand Farm with a foreword by Michael Ableman. If you would like to curl up in your favorite chair to tour and learn from those who operate successful small farms, this is the book for you!
The book is broken into three parts: Why Farm Small? Farm Profiles and Nuts and Bolts.
Why Farm Small discusses compact values, strategies, and sustainability. The Farm Profiles section includes 15 'tours" including diagrams, stories, practical information about what works, and how much labor it takes to do it. Nuts and Bolts covers planning, design, and finances. Each of the 240 pages in this helpful book is filled with beautiful pictures, illustrations, and information.