Life on Vermont’s Land: A Feasibility Study

When considering the possibility of living off the land in Vermont, the region's landscape, weather patterns, and societal norms are crucial factors. Are you prepared to turn your dream of a rural existence into a sustainable reality?

Understanding Vermont’s Rural Farming Landscape

Most small farms in Vermont, typically under 40 acres, are considered "hobby" farms, with owners maintaining a full-time job alongside their land management. These farms usually focus on specific agricultural products such as herbs, livestock, or specialty breeds of chickens. If your goal is to genuinely live off the land by growing and consuming your own crops, this is certainly achievable but with significant challenges.

Challenges and Requirements

The term “live off” generally means having no job or income and being entirely sustained by the farm. While it is possible, it would require an enormous amount of hard work. You would need to produce a variety of essential items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, and staples like sugar, flour, and yeast. This would require a substantial amount of land, as you would need areas for fruit trees, maple trees, evergreens for Christmas trees, bee hives for honey, and several hay fields and pastures for livestock and chickens.

Reaching the Feasibility Threshold

According to experienced farm hands, the marginal "hard man" who couldn’t wait to leave his farm life was not likely to become a sustainable farmer. However, throughout history, people have lived off the land. During the colonial era, subsistence farming was a common practice, especially with the aid of hunting and gathering.

Experience and Knowledge

While it's possible to live off the land in large parts of the nation, including Vermont, you would need extensive knowledge of homesteading and survival skills. Homesteading involves a variety of practices such as keeping livestock, raising crops, and managing natural resources efficiently. If you lack these skills, it is not advisable to attempt it, at least initially.

Back on Vermont’s Soil

In Vermont, the hard work required to sustain yourself and your family from the land can be daunting. The harsh winters, unpredictable weather, and limited growing seasons make it a challenging task. For most people, it requires a significant level of preparation, including obtaining necessary equipment, seeds, and livestock, as well as building the infrastructure to support a sustainable lifestyle.

Conclusion

Living off the land in Vermont is a feasible concept with the right mindset, skills, and preparation. However, it doesn't come without its challenges. The experience and knowledge required for subsistence farming are non-negotiable. If you are passionate about living in harmony with your land, consider beginning with smaller steps, such as starting a small vegetable garden or keeping a few chickens, before embarking on a full-fledged farm project.