Maine Farmer Resource Network

Planning for Facilities and Equipment

The facilities (structures) as well as the equipment (tractors, implements, machinery, tools, etc.) of a farm operation play an important role in the productivity and profitability of the farm. Facilities and equipment are typically thought of as investments and labor savers, but they can become a source of financial ruin for the farm. It is essential for the farmer to design or adapt, utilize and maintain all farm facilities and equipment for optimum use, efficiency and safety. This section lists resources by category to help farmers gain knowledge and understand how best to utilize space and equipment on the farm for housing, storage, and productivity.

Resources

A Farmstead Planning Handbook: Guidelines for Planning and Expanding Agricultural Facilities and Operations (CD-ROM) – the 12 chapters of this CD show how to locate, plan, build, and expand a farm, from a small acreage to a large operation. More than 100 illustrations and tables plus an expansion plan example complete the instruction.
Dairy Facilities – University of WI Cooperative Extension
State Environmental Laws Affecting Maine Agriculture – Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Check with your local municipal planning board at your city hall/town office.

Power (electricity, solar, wind)

USDA National Agricultural Library – Farm Energy Options
eXtension Farm Energy Community Page
Renewable Energy – Purdue University Cooperative Extension
Energy and Your Farm – University of Missouri Cooperative Extension

Biosecurity

USDA-APHIS Animal Health – Veterinary Services include preventing, preparing, responding and recovering from emergency animal disease and disaster situations. Dr. Fred Cantor 508.363.2290 or VSMA@aphis.usda.gov
Biosecurity for Farms – Colorado State University Cooperative Extension

Design and Construction

On-Farm Construction fact sheet – University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) – Publications from Iowa State University about agricultural engineering, building design, air quality, manure management, agribusiness, tillage, and grain handling
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (CPS) – series of plans in PDF format from Canadian network of agricultural engineers and livestock specialists concerned with the planning, design, and construction of modern farm buildings
Architectural Design Services: Wholesale Market and Facility Design Program – USDA Local and Regional Foods Division
Universal Design on the Farm fact sheet – University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Building Plans from Land Grant Universities

Greenhouses/Hoop Houses

Greenhouses and Similar Structures (PDF) – University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
Portable Field Hoophouse – Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Hoop Houses in Rural Alaska – University of Alaska Cooperative Extension

Sales Areas

Roadside Markets, Stands and Equipment (PDF) – ‘Idea Plan’ Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension
Garden Center Design Guidelines – University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension

Feed Storage

Feedstuff Handling, Storage and Feeding Systems for Livestock – Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension

Wash Stations/Packing Sheds and Food Safety

Product Storage (dry storage, refrigeration, root cellars)

Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for Farms – eXtension.org
Vegetable Storage in Root Cellars – University of Alaska Cooperative Extension

Automation

The Science and Technology of Agriculture – ‘Iowa Pathways’ Iowa Public Television
Automated Farm Equipment and Small Scale Farmers – Slate.com article

Machinery Selection

Using Tractor Test Data for Selecting Farm Tractors – Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension
Fuel Efficiency Factor for Tractor Selection – Iowa State University Cooperative Extension
What Size Tractor Do I Need? (PDF) – University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Machinery Purchase or Lease?

Leasing vs Buying Machinery (PDF) – University of Tennessee Cooperative Extension
Replacement Strategies for Farm Machinery – Iowa State University Cooperative Extension

Farm Machinery Maintenance

Tractor Maintenance to Conserve Energy – Iowa State University Cooperative Extension
Five Strategies for Extending Machinery Life – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Machinery Maintenance for Energy Efficiency

Farm Equipment Safety and Use

Tractor and Field Operations Energy Efficiency Checklist and Tips – eXtension.org
Tractor Resource Hub – The University of Vermont Cooperative Extension
Assistive Technology and Tractor Modifications fact sheet – University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Farm Shop

Farm Shop Plans Book teaches users how to plan and build farm shops – University of Missouri Cooperative Extension
Farm Shop Energy Efficiency and Tips – eXtension.org

Manure Handling and Storage

Dairy Manure Management from Barn to Storage
Manure Storage: Small scale solutions for your farm.

Composting

Maine Compost School
Cornell Waste Management Institute
On Farm Composting Handbook – NRAES publication

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Direct Your Inquiries:

If you represent an agency or institution that works with Maine farmers and are interested in presenting to MFRN, please contact Tori Jackson, Chairperson, at tori.jackson@maine.edu.