What is a Farm Plan?
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A farm plan is a tool developed jointly between planning staff and land owners or land managers. The plan includes an inventory of your natural resources and outlines actions and a schedule for you to make improvements based on your goals for the property.
The farm plan will take into account:
farm size and current use (forestry, pasture, etc.)
type and number of livestock and crops
soil types, slopes and other critical issues
proximity to streams or water bodies
available resources (machinery, buildings, etc.)
your goals and timeline
The District planner may offer advice on land management practices such as fence layout, soil testing, or weed control. The plan will address any potential water quality concerns and suggest changes in management and potential practices to help alleviate impacts to resources on the property. Possible examples include:
streamside fencing
pasture renovation and/or management
manure management
The suggestions made by the planner are reviewed by the landowner and together they develop a plan for accomplishing the changes. Once decisions are made, a tentative implementation schedule is set and the plan written. Engineering, surveying, and financial assistance needs will also be evaluated at this time. One copy of the plan is kept with the farmer and one is kept on record with the conservation district. Revisions of the plan can be made as the goals and needs of the landowner change.
Note: You don’t have to be a commercial operation to develop a farm plan! The District works with many types and sizes of farms, from backyard horse owners to dairy and beef operations.
Questions?
Contact 425-335-5634 or farmplanner(at)snohomishcd.org.
