Another book to fuel my dream of owning my own farm. The Joy of Hobby Farming by Michael and Audrey Levatino published by Skyhorse Publishing. I love that the authors share their own experiences in buying a farm and getting started with their own hobby farm. I absolutely love the pictures which make me long for a farm of my own. I also enjoy the farmer profiles. I love to read stories about other farmers, small farmers, homesteaders, bee keepers, cheese makers and the like so this was a hit for me. I also loved the tips and tricks as well as the “avoid this mistake” tips. This another great book for the future small farmer.
Part 1: Place
Chapter 1: Introduction
- Why Hobby Farming? Slowly Farming
Chapter 2: The Search For A Farm
- Renting or Leasing
- Location
- Realtors and Other Resources
- How to Look
- Finding the Silver Lining
- Evaluating a Farm’s Water Profile
- Zoning, Property Rights, and Easements
- Taxes
- Insurance
Chapter 3: Your Farm
- Where to get Information
- Wells, Springs, and Cisterns
- Septic System
- Generators
- Heating with Stoves
- Farm Safety
- Guns and Hunting
- Farm Equipment and Tools
- Fencing
- Gates and Cattle Guards
- Outbuildings and Barns
- Firewood
- Ponds
Part 2: Growing Things
Chapter 4: Where and How to Garden
- Garden/Farm Journals and Record Keeping
- Our Gardening Philosophy
- Soil Tests
- Garden Placement
- Garden Layout
- Bed Preparation
- Compost
- Cover Crops
- Weed Control and Soil Building
- Pest and Disease Control
Chapter 5: The Food Garden
- Popular Crops and Best Practices
- Crop Rotation
- Growing Berries
- Growing Mushrooms
Chapter 6: The Flower Garden
- Growing Flowers for a Cutting Garden
- Planning and Constructing the Cutting Garden
- How to Choose the Right Blooms for your Farm
- Elements of a Cutting Garden
Chapter 7: Extending Your Growing Season
- Growing for the Selling Season
- Cold Frames
- Row Covers
- Hoop Houses and Green Houses
Part 3: The Care of Living Creatures
Chapter 8: General Animal Care Basics
- Our Philosophy of Raising Animals
- Animal Care Basics
- Where to Find Animals
- What Do All Animals Need?
- Preparing for Animals
Chapter 9: Small Creatures For The Hobby Farm
- Chickens
- Honey Bees
- Dogs and Cats
Chapter 10: Large Grazing Animals
- Handling Large Animals
- Shelter
- Food
- First Aid
- Dealing with Death
- Donkeys
- Llamas and Alpacas
- Longhorn and Grass-Fed Beef Cattle
- Horses
Part 4: Running Your Farm as a Business
Chapter 11: Bringing it all Together
- Bartering and the Farm Community
- The Importance of Hobby Farming Businesses
- Starting a Farm Business
Chapter 12: The Farmer’s Market and Other Sales Opportunities
- What will you Sell?
- Market Management-Fees, Payment, and Sales Taxes
- Establishing Your Farm Brand
- Setup and Location
- Selling to Retail Markets and Restaurants
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s)
- Websites and Social Media