With the interest in small-scale, local-food farm production continuing to expand, Compact Farms speaks to the many new farmers who want to make a living on a small plot of land, with 15 detailed plans adapted from actual, successful farms ranging from .25 to 5 acres in both rural and urban locations.

Small is beautiful, and these 15 real farm plans show that small-scale farmers can have big-time success. Compact Farms is an illustrated guide for anyone dreaming of starting, expanding, or perfecting a pro'fitable farming enterprise on five acres or less. The farm plans explain how to harness an area's water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximise efficiency and productivity while minimizing effort. Profiles of well-known farmers such as Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier show that farming on a small scale in any region, in both urban and rural settings, can provide enough income to turn the endeavour from hobby to career. These real-life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realise your farm dreams.

SELLING POINTS: Plans for the small market farmer. Whether the goal is to have a roadside farmstand or sell at a farmers' market, Compact Farms offers expert instruction side-by-side with illustrated plans for laying out a productive small farm.

Small is beautiful. With plans starting at just a quarter of an acre in size, anyone can have their own farm, even on a city lot.

Expert advice from high-profile, successful market farmers. Principles are backed by real-world examples of small, successful, well-known farmers who make primary incomes from their farms, illustrating that running a small farm need not just be a hobby, but can be a way of life.

Author expertise. Josh Volk is the proprietor of Slow Hand Farm in Portland, Oregon, and a popular speaker at conferences on sustainable farming.