Farmers: 7 Different Types of Farms

If you are interested in farming, there are many ways to get started.

One main thing to consider if what type of farm you wish to have and whether you intend to use the farm as your main source of livelihood.

Here are seven different types of farms:

1. Subsistence farm — This is a type of farm that produces only enough food to feed the family with little or no surplus for sale, says Africa Development Promise. This type of farm is not meant to provide income, but would ideally produce all needed food, year-round. This is becoming increasingly popular among Americans who wish to live “off the grid.”

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2. Commercial farm — This is the opposite of a subsistence farm, says Grade Stack, and is meant to provide income, often the sole form of income, for the farm family. It can consist of growing crops, raising animals for meat, eggs and dairy, raising fish, or a combination of these.

3. Crop farm — These farms grow fruits, vegetables, or grain. Most large-scale industrial farms are monoculture farms, meaning they grow only one type of crop at a time. The Union of Concerned Scientists says this type of farm relies heavily on chemical inputs. Smaller farms tend to be more diversified.

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4. Fish farm — Also called aquaculture, fish farming is booming. It involves raising large quantities of fish in large tanks. According to Grist, although farmed fish has a less-than-favorable reputation, well-managed fish farms are sustainable, clean, and can produce high-quality protein.

5. Dairy farm — This type of farm focuses on raising animals for milk. The milk can then be used to make other dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Most large dairy farms raise dairy cows, but some artisanal dairy farms may raise sheep or goats.

6. Poultry farm — Most poultry farms raise chickens and turkeys for meat consumption, but some raise chicken for eggs. About 18 percent of all poultry meat in the U.S. is exported, says the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Large-scale farms are the norm, but consumer demand for locally-produced, pastured, and humanely raised poultry is growing.

7. Meat farms — These farms exist solely to raise animals for slaughter and consumption. They can be divided into other categories like pig farms and cattle farms.

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