Micro-Farming in the Suburbs
Do you want to buy a small farm in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach or Moyock? South Hampton Roads has much to offer those interested in land for sale, buying a homestead or acreage for sale to begin their own micro-farm. But what is Micro-farming and how do you get started?
What is Micro-Farming?
Micro-Farmers use small parcels of land, usually less than 5 acres, to grow crops and raise micro-livestock or pollinators in a ecologically sustainable way.
Battling Inflation by growing your own food
We are all aware of the impact inflation has had on food prices. With the demand for food on the rise, you can literally take this problem into your own hands. Clear an area to make room for raised garden beds, a small greenhouse, or till up an area for planting. South Hampton Roads has a climate that is great for all kinds of fruit and vegetables. If you are worried about having a green thumb, start small and with less finicky crops like, tomatoes, lettuces, cucumbers and squash. Check out Virginia’s Home Garden Planting Guide to see the best times of year to plant and harvest certain veggies.
A raised flower bed with mushroom compost will get your green thumb growing.
If you choose to build a small greenhouse, you will enjoy fresh fruit and veggies nearly all year! Greenhouses allow for crops to continue to produce well outside of their growing seasons. Now you will need to learn some self pollinating techniques if you do decided to grow inside of a greenhouse. Personally, I am a huge fan of handing over clean paint brushes and letting the kids “go to town,” pretending to be bees and butterflies, pollinating the flowers. This is also a wonderful way to create a small science lesson about plants and pollinators.
Micro… Livestock?
Poultry, goats, pigs, rabbits, ponies and sheep are all farm animals that can be kept on fairly small properties. These animals need less pasture, feed and water than larger livestock, such as cattle and horses but can still provide your family meat, eggs, and milk.
Some homesteaders even consider raising bees for honey! An added bonus to the delicious honey they can harvest is the fact that the honey bees are great pollinators for their gardens.
Heritage Livestock
You may have heard of heritage breed but wondered what this meant. These breeds of livestock are the old-fashioned breeds that our ancestors raised. They tend to be smaller and need fewer resources than the more modern breeds.
Mini Livestock
Miniature horses, small heritage pigs (KuneKunes), Dexter cattle, goats and even mini chickens (bantams) are great for small homesteads.
Quail are a great option for those wanting quick egg production. This small breed of poultry does not need much space and reach maturity at about 9 weeks, as opposed to other poultry breeds that reach maturity around 6 months
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are excellent for small homesteads looking to produce their own milk. Their milk is higher in butterfat and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds. Plus, they are super cute!
Miniature Cattle are still fairly large weighing in between 700-900 lbs. However, they can provide you with milk, meat, leather and work around the farm. The Dexter Cow is a heritage breed that is very popular for micro-farms as a dual-purpose animal.
KuneKunes are a top pick among small homesteaders. This slow growing pig breed can provide meat, lard, leather or just the enjoyment of them being a pet.
Miniature horses and ponies are a fun addition to any homestead. Kids love them and they are perfectly suited as work animals, pets and therapy animals.
Easy to move “Chicken Tractor” allow for free range, organic chickens.
Let’s talk Animal Units
What on earth is an animal unit, you ask? Not every homestead is zoned for farm animals and you will need to check with your local ordinances to understand what you can or cannot have on the property.
For example in the City of Chesapeake, certain farm animals are only allowed on properties zoned A-1 (agricultural) or RE-1 (Residential Estates). Each animal is rated based on its relative impact on the environment. For example, 1 head of cattle=1 animal unit. Each acre of property is equivalent to 1 animal unit meaning if you have 2 acres, you can only have 2 heads of cattle.
Poultry can be raised throughout the city of Chesapeake. Residents in any area of Chesapeake are able to raise up to 6 hens in their yard.
Feel free to explore all of the animal unit ordinances in Chesapeake here.
Whether you are just interested in Micro-Farming or actively looking to begin running your own homestead, beginning a small farm can be beneficial and rewarding. Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Moyock all are great options to begin a small homestead. If you are looking to buy a small farm, feel free to call us today!
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