11.8: Part 1 -- The Farm Feasibility Study

Template for Part 1 \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Use this template to complete your feasibility study. Respond to each section thoroughly and support your farm design with peer‑reviewed sources.

Provide the official name you have chosen for your farm.

Research your farm’s specific location and describe:

• The region, terrain, and major geographic characteristics
• Seasonal climate and weather patterns
• Any environmental factors that will influence livestock or crop production

Choose one species that your farm will raise. Then explain:

• Why this species is suited to your climate and location
• Expected production (meat, milk, wool, eggs, etc.)
• Any space, housing, or management considerations

Provide a detailed description of the infrastructure your farm requires. At a minimum, include:

• Housing facilities
• Pens or enclosures
• Feeding systems
• Water supply systems or sources
• Equipment and tools
• Labor requirements
• Market access options (buyers, processors, distribution routes)

Insert hand-drawn or computer-generated drawings, diagrams, or detailed images of your farm’s:

• Livestock housing
• Handling facilities
• Feed or storage areas

Explain how your chosen location and farm infrastructure will impact:

• Daily farm operations
• Animal health and welfare
• Production efficiency
• Labor and transportation

Indicate whether you will raise crops alongside your livestock.
If yes, explain:

• What crops will you grow?
• Why did you choose the crops?
• How will the crops benefit your farm (e.g., feed production, soil improvement, revenue diversification)?

Research and explain the regulations that apply to your type of farm, including:

• Zoning laws
• Animal welfare regulations
• Environmental or water‑quality standards
• Required permits or licenses
• Food safety/processing requirements (if applicable)

Describe how your farm will comply with these requirements.

Support all major decisions in this part of the project with:

• At least three (3) peer‑reviewed scientific sources
• Data or statistics relevant to livestock production, climate, or infrastructure
• Include full citations in APA format.

Deliverables Checklist for Part 1

The following items are the deliverables for part one, The Feasibility Study:

1. At least three sources that pass the CRAAP test for each section.
2. An explanation of the regulations that apply to your farm, including information on how to ensure that your farm is compliant.
3. A detailed description of how location and infrastructure factors will influence farm operations.
4. Choice of livestock and, if chosen, crops. Provide justifications for the choices.
5. A visual representation of your farm, including the farm name, description of the climate, geographic features, and infrastructure.