Small Farm Agriculture

Turning your acres into productive agriculture can be rewarding and profitable. Starting such an enterprise requires many decisions and the need for substantial research. Will you farm the land yourself, hire assistance with seeding and harvest, or lease your property to someone else to farm? What equipment do you need? Will you use conventional or conservation tillage practices? What will you grow? How will you market your product? What taxes do you have to pay?

Many resources are available to assist you in starting a farming operation.

information Links:

WSU Cooperative Extension Small Farms Connection promotes sustainable community-based food and farming systems. The website provides numerous resources to assist in creating profitable small farming operations, including information on marketing, soils, pest management and links to organizations and agencies for more assistance.

Spokane County Extension of WSU provides educational programs to help landowners, farmers, and ranchers sustain natural resources and economic agricultural production using environmentally sound and socially acceptable practices. Topics include alternative crops, alternative energy, marketing and organic agriculture. The Extension also detailed guidance in small farm management, including: Keys to Success for Small Farmers, Evaluating Goals and Lifestyles, Resources for Small Acreage Farming, and Considerations for Buying Ag Land.

Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks to foster approaches to agriculture and natural resource stewardship that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsive. The Center also works as part of the Small Farms Team at WSU, providing resources on marketing, crops, livestock operatives.

Washington State Department of Agriculture provides information on rules and regulations, crops and livestock, weed and insect control, and potential funding sources.

Washington State Department of Revenue has prepared the Agriculture Guide to Washington Excise Taxes for information on tax initiatives specific to the agriculture industry.

U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a variety of resources, including the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center. The Center seeks to provide access to information related to alternative agricultural enterprises and crops, as well as alternative cropping systems. Information includes organics, sustainable farming and community supported agriculture. They also provide substantial links to other resources and publications. The USDA Rural Information Center provides a comprehensive resource for starting small farm operations. Information includes tips on developing a farm business plan, financial and planning resources, and contacts for technical assistance.

Natural Resources Conservation Service provides numerous resources and links for potential and current small farm operators.

Farm Service Agency may also be able to provide assistance in planning and operating a small farm agricultural operation.

Ag Marketing Resource Center is an electronic, national resource for producers interested in value-added agriculture. AgMRC offers producers the ability to assess value-added market opportunities, understand business and production issues, and locate value-added resources.

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