Farmstead planning

[sea2summit]

Planning yes, but my Doing has slacked a bit ... mostly as Budget permits, in my case.

"As budget permits" makes me do two things:
1) Plan better
2) Not finish a project because something else becomes higher priority

 

[JethroB]

Consider and plan orientation of porches, lean-to’s, carports, etc. for the sun. Plant shade trees years in advance if possible. I have many old pecan trees but none near the house or out buildings as they tend to self prune and drop huge limbs on any thing of value.

 

[ponytug]

Consider and plan orientation of porches, lean-to’s, carports, etc. for the sun. Plant shade trees years in advance if possible. I have many old pecan trees but none near the house or out buildings as they tend to self prune and drop huge limbs on any thing of value.

That advice made me laugh, in a good way. I planted pecans as a kid, when I was told to plant them for my grandchildren...

They certainly weren't producing when the farm was sold. I wonder if I can find the trees on Google Maps.

All sorts of timescales on farms.

All the best,

Peter

 

[3Ts]

Also consider drainage especially with heavy rainfall. I have a yard drain and 6" pipe to collect water and direct it to prevent erosion. It collects water from the yard, roof downspouts, and even the condensation from the dehumidifier.

When planning the buildings, consider the view. I have windows in the barn so I can see the doors of the other buildings.

 

[EddieWalker]

Something else to consider is gate placement if you are going to have animals. I've been working on clearing my fence line for years. I'm about to start fencing the area where I'll have all my gates in one are to go from the barn area, to 3 different pastures. I almost messed up. I drew it out on paper and figured out my materials, but never thought of how I would be able to drive from one gate, and then through another. It was just too tight!!! Now I'm opening it up to a bigger area so it will be easy to drive in and out of those pastures. Whenever putting in a gate, be sure to make it as easy as possible to get through it!!!

 

[deezler]

^ thats a good tip Eddie.

One thing I definitely under planned for was irrigation. Not like my place really qualifies as a farmstead, or even hobby farm yet. But I only have two hose spigots on my house, and they dont flow all that well after 50' of 1/2" copper inside, and then 75' of 3/4 garden hose outside. Might have to put a frost proof hydrant atop my well someday.

 

[riptides]

Ahh...gates.

Make them as big as you can. Make a serviceable path to them. Both for live stock and humans.

I have a pasture that has a 12 foot and a 4 foot right next to each other. Not my idea, but it has worked out very well.

And someone even put up a solar light pole right where the gates are. That was smart too. Brilliant!

Something else to consider is gate placement if you are going to have animals. I've been working on clearing my fence line for years. I'm about to start fencing the area where I'll have all my gates in one are to go from the barn area, to 3 different pastures. I almost messed up. I drew it out on paper and figured out my materials, but never thought of how I would be able to drive from one gate, and then through another. It was just too tight!!! Now I'm opening it up to a bigger area so it will be easy to drive in and out of those pastures. Whenever putting in a gate, be sure to make it as easy as possible to get through it!!!

 

[3Ts]

One more: Where do you go with muddy boots? In the barn, I don't care. If I need to go in the house, it's a big deal. I have a boot wash near the door to the mud room. I have a water faucet with an aerator, a rock filled basin that drains out into the yard and daylights down the hill.

 

[Torvy]

Ahh...gates.

Make them as big as you can. Make a serviceable path to them. Both for live stock and humans.

I have a pasture that has a 12 foot and a 4 foot right next to each other. Not my idea, but it has worked out very well.

I've seen that concept with cattle operations. Some ranchers will have 3' people gates for quickly moving between pastures on foot (or horseback). That way they are not opening up a 12' gap for wayward stock to meander through. Some of those beasties will go right behind you and change whatever you were planning to do into a game of chase.

 

[Torvy]

One more: Where do you go with muddy boots? In the barn, I don't care. If I need to go in the house, it's a big deal. I have a boot wash near the door to the mud room. I have a water faucet with an aerator, a rock filled basin that drains out into the yard and daylights down the hill.

I'd add a scraper. Hesston used to have a promotional item that was pretty good. I wish I knew it would become a collectible.