Sustainable Small Acreage Farming in Idaho: Finding and Evaluating Land

Small acreage farming allows people to produce their own food and to develop various farm-based business enterprises. Establishing a small farm requires time and attention to many details. Evaluating farm goals, assessing potential markets and thinking through lifestyle choices, family relationships and partnerships on the farm are among the central concerns for a profitable and sustainable business. This publication provides an overview of important considerations for people looking for land on which to establish a successful small farm or ranch. These include farm planning, natural resources, topography, climate, pests and problems, physical assets, nearby activity, site history, legal and regulatory considerations and marketing farm products. Also included are several stories of small acreage farmers describing how they selected their land, and a checklist to help the reader work through evaluating a piece of land.