A farm plan is a document assessing site specific aspects of a property and outlining best management practices identified as necessary to avoid potential negative environmental impacts of agricultural practices. An action plan is part of a farm plan, outlining a series of actions (with timetables for implementation) developed to meet a farmer’s goals and financial capabilities. Many things are considered in a farm plan, including farm acreage available for grazing/hayland, soil types, slope of the land, location of well head and septic system, proximity to streams, wetlands, and/or water bodies (i.e. swales, ditches, ponds, etc.), type and numbers of livestock or crops, and resources such as machinery or buildings.

You don’t have to be a commercial operation to benefit from developing a farm plan! Whatcom Conservation District works with farms of all sizes, from backyard horse or llama owners to dairy and beef operations with larger numbers of livestock.

Whatcom Conservation District is a non-enforcement subdivision of the State of Washington and is supported by grants. The District is charged with the duties of protecting the soil and water of Whatcom County, particularly in relation to farming and animal keeping practices, through technical assistance and education.