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Farmstead Planning
The
farmstead forms the nucleus of the farm operation where a wide range of farming
activities take place. It normally includes the dwelling, animal shelters,
storage structures, equipment shed, workshop and other structures. A carefully
organised farmstead plan should provide an arrangement of buildings and
facilities that allows adequate space for convenient and efficient operation of
all activities, while at the same time protecting the environment from such
undersirable effects as odours, dust, noise, dies and heavy traffic. A wide
range of factors, should be considered when planning the arrangement of
buildings and services at the farmstead.
Although
the immediate objective of these plans may be the inclusion of a new building
in an existing farmstead, provision should be made for future expansion and
replacement of buildings. In this way a poorly laid out farmstead can be
improved over the long term.
Factors
to consider in farmstead planning
In
planning a farmstead one has to consider number of factors; such as:
Good drainage, both surface and
sub-surface, provides a dry farm courtyard and a stable foundation for
buildings. A gentle slope across the site facilitates drainage, but a
pronounced slope may make it difficult to site larger structures without
undertaking extensive earth-moving work. Adequate space should be provided to
allow for maneuvering vehicles around the buildings and for future expansion of
the farm operation.
Air movement is essential for cross
ventilation, but excessive wind can damage buildings. Since wind will carry
odours and noise, livestock buildings should be placed downwind from the family
living area and neighbouring homes. Undesirable winds can be diverted and
reduced by hedges and trees or fences with open construction. Solar radiation
may adversely affect the environment within buildings. An orientation close to
an east-west axis is generally recommended in the tropics.
An adequate supply of
clean water
is essential on any farm. When planning buildings for an expanded livestock/crop
production, the volume of the water supply both for present and future needs must
be assessed. The water source can be a well, river, dam or spring. Ponds can be
used but must be located where they can collect enough runoff. Where applicable, the supply of pipe in a
good building layout should be as short as possible. Similarly, the length of
electric, gas and telephone lines should be kept to a minimum.
The
safety of people and animals from
fire and accident hazards should be part of the planning considerations.
Children especially, must be protected from the many dangers at a farmstead. It
is often desirable to arrange for some privacy in the family living area by
screening off the garden, outdoor meeting-resting places, verandah and play
area.
Measures
should be taken for security from theft
and vandalism. This includes an arrangement of buildings so that the farm
court and the access driveway can be observed at all times, especially from the
house. A neat and attractive farmstead is desirable and much can be achieved toward
this end, at low cost, if the appearance is considered in the planning, and
effective landscaping is utilized.
Services
Road Access — Ready access to roads
and highways is important. Don't locate the farmstead too far from a public
road, or you'll have to build and maintain an all-weather road. The house
should be the first building seen (orapproached) when entering the farmstead
for both appearance and traffic control. Regardless of where the farmstead is
situated, choose the site for the house first and locate all other buildings in
relation to it.
You
might consider having two entrances to the farmstead, one to the house and
another to the main activity area. Such an arrangement reduces traffic, dust
and noise around the house, but uninvited visitors are more difficult to
detect.
If
you install a gate at the entrance, place it at least 12 to 18 m from the road
so vehicles have room to stop while the gate is being opened. Build the drive
about 5 m wide with at least 2 m of additional clearance on each side; the
extra width the extra width allows for large overhanging equipment and snow
storage. Drains along the drive can be within this 2 m.
Avoid blind exits
Plan
parking area to avoid traffic congestion and road blocks
Electricity
Electricity
and gas — Electricity is an important source of power. Plan installation
carefully to ensure adequate supplies are available when and where you need
them.
Telephones — The telephone is an
important tool for most farm businesses. Mobile phones could also save you
valuable time in your operation.
Fire prevention
Prevent
fires, by having adequate wiring, efficient lightning protection, and proper
storage of fuels. Also, avoid causes of spontaneous combustion and practice
good housekeeping.
To reduce the risk of fire:
Use
fire-resistant building materials.
Install
water hydrants near to building areas.
chemical
fire extinguishers
adequate
space between buildings
Security
can be difficult. Farms are vulnerable to theft, arson and trespassing. A clear
view from the house of the farm discourages prowlers. Yard lights will help
keep away thieves. Strategically placed gates which can be locked can stop
vehicular access at night or when you are away and may discourage unwanted
intrusions.
Zone Planning
Zone
planning can be a useful tool, but it is most effective when planning a new
farmstead. The farmstead is divided into zones 10 to 30 metres wide by
concentric circles as shown in Figure.
Zone planning in four zones.
Zone
1 at the centre of the farmstead is for family living, and should be protected
from odour, dust, flies, etc. In Zone 2 clean, dry and quiet activities, such
as implement sheds and small storage structures can be placed. In Zone 3 larger
grain stores, feed stores and small animal units are placed, whereas
large-scale animal production is in Zone 4 and beyond.
The
advantage of zone planning is that it provides space for present farm
operations, future expansion and a good living environment. However, in many
cultures the livestock has traditionally been placed at the centre of the
farmstead. Thus the zone concept runs counter to tradition and may not be
desirable.
The
layouts below are another form of farmstead planning that can be useful.
Zone
1 family house/ administrative building.
Zone
2 machinery/tools implements
Zone
3 harvest storage (pack house/ storage)
Zone
4 livestock buildings
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