Guide to Hobby Farming in Michigan
Hobby farming and small acreage farms are growing in popularity as more and more people want to have more control over the food they eat, and more of a connection to the land around them. Michigan is a great state for a hobby or small acreage farm – we’re already popular for fruit farms, vineyards and lots of other forms of agriculture. Hobby farms are “more than a garden, but not quite a conventional farm.”
Did you know that Michigan ranks 3rd in the nation for the number of farmers markets? Other interesting facts: we have over 10 million acres of farmland, our state leads the nation in the production of 18 commodities and ranks in
the top 10 of 56 other commodities!
If you’re interested in starting a hobby farm, you might have visions of a pantry overflowing with canned goods, honey, homemade wine, produce, home-cured meats, and farm-fresh free-range eggs. Sounds wonderful! But it can be difficult to know where to start, how much land you’ll need, and what production to expect.
A Farmette is a Full-Sized Hobby Farm – what most people typically think of when they’re talking about hobby farms.
“Ranging from 5 to 50 acres, full-sized hobby farms are a real farm experience. Beyond the capability of residential hobby farms, one can add in livestock such as goats, pigs, and even cows, depending on the farm’s grassland or feeding capacity. Some farmettes are large enough to add orchards, cutting fields for flowers, and even a fish farm or a stocked fishing pond. The full-sized large hobby farm has potential for the hobby farmer to add cattle and horses, and to produce its own fertilizer to help the sustainability of the farm.”
The infographic below has lots of introductory information on Hobby Farming, and if you click to follow the link, you can read the full article. Once you’ve decided on the type of hobby farm or small acreage farm you’d like to start, our site here at Michigan Country Real Estate is a great place to start your search for the perfect property. Not looking for a home, just want land to start a small agricultural operation? Check out Michigan Land For Sale!
Source: Fix.com Blog
