When we first started looking at homes to buy, I was convinced that we MUST have as much acreage as we could afford: how could we possibly have all the livestock we needed without at least 10 acres? I envisioned cows, goats, pigs, chickens, geese, and of course, my beloved rabbits.
Then I started to do some serious research...and that was when reality started to sink it's teeth into my ludicrous fantasy of vast acreage and endless livestock ;)
Through the research I've completed so far (and the research still to come!), I've learned that less really is more, at least for us. We can raise and grow our core foods, and what we can't (or realistically shouldn't) raise or grow for ourselves, we can network with others to find a local source, and either barter or buy from them.
Even on our "limited" lot, I'm delighted by the wealth of options for our future food endeavors: rabbits, chickens, turkeys for protein, a small fruit orchard, and plenty of raised garden beds for herbs and vegetables.
Keeping our plans relatively small and simple will allow us the luxury of raising and growing what is within our financial and time limits, while teaching ourselves and our children about life on a farm...OUR farm.
Here's a fun look at the massive changes our farm plan has endured, from shortly after we purchased our home, to tonight's sketch, after picking Andy's brain to help me figure out rough dimensions for the chicken coop, greenhouse, and farm shed.