I took a big step with my mini farm this past week. I filled out paperwork and have been approved for a ‘farm number’. I’m totally excited about this new step in my move towards self sufficiency.

A farm number is a totally different entity from a farm tax number. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. As the reader, you might already know the difference? If not, let me tell you a bit about it. It’s worth knowing about.

A farm number is not based on the amount of land you own. There is no size limit. It identifies where your land is located and identifies it as a farm. The number is then attached to the land, not the land owner. If you sell your land, the farm number remains with the property.

With a farm number it opens the door to apply for USDA funding such as grants, farm loans, disaster assistance and it helps your county towards receiving more agricultural assistance in the future.

In my case, after receiving my farm number, my next step will be applying for a high tunnel or ‘hoop house’ through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). With a high tunnel, I’m going to increase my growing season, have increased environmental control of the plants and protect my plants from pesticide drift (which is a problem when they spray the ball park and/ or along my fence, the chemicals sometimes drift via the breeze into my property).

The more I learn about the plants on my property, the more important it becomes to focus on taking care of the land. I had no idea I had so many beneficial plants growing naturally right under my nose. It also hasn’t escaped my notice the crazy high numbers of folks dealing with cancer in our county. I don’t know how much pesticides are adding to this number, but I don’t want to add to environmental stressors.