Foundations of Hobby Farm Planning

This unit introduces the fundamentals of preparing for a hobby farm, including lifestyle assessment, farm visioning, property selection, acreage considerations, budgeting, and basic infrastructure and tool needs. Students will produce a site assessment, preliminary budget, and equipment/structure plan that readies them for hands‑on animal care and plant production in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze personal lifestyle factors, family resources, and long‑term goals to create a written farm vision and determine individual suitability for hobby farming
• Evaluate prospective properties by applying a rubric that examines location, acreage, zoning, soil and water access, topography, wildlife risks, and community context to rank at least three options
• Develop a preliminary farm plan and phased budget that specifies desired acreage, necessary structures (barns, shelters, greenhouses, cellars), storage for food/water/equipment, and a three‑year capital and operating timeline
• Select and justify essential hand tools, animal and plant care tools, power equipment, and vehicle/tractor requirements for initial operations and prepare safety and maintenance checklists for each