Small is beautiful, and these 15 real farm plans show that small scale farmers can have big time success. Compact Farms is an illustrated guide for anyone dreaming of starting, expanding, or perfecting a profitable farming enterprise on less than five acres. The farm plans explain how to harness an area's water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximise efficiency and productivity while minimising effort. Profiles of well known farmers such as Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier show that farming on a small scale in any region, in both urban and rural settings, can provide enough income to turn the endeavor from hobby to career. These real life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realise your farm dreams.