Farm Layout

and Farmstead

by A. L. Pulliam

Federal Cooperative Extension Service

Oregon State College
Corvallis

Extension Bulletin 685 January 1948

 Tableof Contents
Page

0 ppo rtu nities ...............................

.................................................. 5
Need for Planning ........,..............
................................................. 5
' '

Value of Planning ...........:.............:............

................................. 6
Choice of a System of Farming ..................................... . 7
.
The Farm Survey ..............................
............
................................ 8
Selecting 'the Farmstead Site ................~ ........................... 8
-···· 10
How Much to Invest in Buildings?........................
··.--
Arrangement of the Farmstead ......... .............. 14
................
·-·-- 15
Electric Transformer Location ---·--·······•·············----·-·--·
Location of Sewage Disposal ................................ ........... 16
Location of Outbuildings ..................... ...... 16
...........................
Field Layout ..........
. .............................. ................. 20
.........................
.................. 22
Garderi , Orchard, and Windbreak ...............
Beautification of Home Grounds ............. . 23
......................
...................................................... 23
Put the Plan on Paper ........
The Farmstead Scorecard ................ ............... Back Cover

3
Rural living at its best . A fine farmstead is wo r th working and
planning for .

Acknowledgments :
The autho r gratefully acknoy, ledges the he lpfu l suggestio n s given concerning this manu-
script by Pro f essor D. Cu r tis Mumfo rd, head of the Department of Farm Management, and
D r . Grant E. Blanch, associate professor of farm management, Oregon State College.
Acknowledgments are also made to M. G. Huber, extension agricu ltura l engineer, Ore-
gon State _College, for contributing part of the man u script and many other valuable sugges-
tions; to the staff of the Ag ri cultura l Eng in eering Department, Oregon State College, for
their suggest ions on the manusc ript; to Dr. Curt is Reid, head of visual instruction, Oregon
State College, for supp lyin g the pict ur e on land leveling and for offer ing tech n ical sugges -
t ions on the drafting of the diagrams on farmstead layo ut; to Davi d S. T aka lo, instructor
in bacterio logy, Oregon Sta te College, for taki n g th ree of the pict u res on farmstead arrange-
men t ; and to Jea n Sc hee l, extension info rmation specia list, for taking one of the farm-
stead pictures.

4
Farm Layoal
anJ Farmstead P~
For Irrigated Farms in Central and Eastern Oregon

A. L. PULLIAM*

Opportunities

FtoA RMERS in newly settled farm communities are in a position

plan and build efficient, attractive farmsteads. Such planning
will directly affect the future progress of the community and the
people who live in it. Farmers who own farms with farmsteads
already constructed are able by long range planning and gradual
change to increase materially the efficiency of their farm operations.
When a farmer plans his farmstead he not only determines the course
of his own operation and profit, but indirectly affects the value of
his ·real estate by making the community more attractive. The at-
tractiveness of the community is often the determining factor in in-
ducing new people, business, and industry to settle in it.

Need for Planning

Farming is a competitive · business. Producers in each com-
munity, state, region, and country compete for their share of local,
national ; and world markets . Farmers, if they expect to operate at
a maximum profit and compete for their share of domestic and
world markets, must have their farm, buildings, and equipment ar -
ranged and designed for the highest possible operating efficiency.

Planning needed to reduce labor costs

In many ·enterprises, such as dairying and fruit and vegetable
production, labor represents 40 to 70 per cent of the cost of produc-
tion. Farmers who operated during wartime will recall the · import-
ance of efficient use of labor during that period of labor scarcity.
Regardless of the availability of l~bor in the future, wage rates are
likely to decline slowly, if at all. Now, more than ever before,
farmers realize the need for planning and arra ngement of their farm
plant for efficient .use and maximum returns from labor.
* County Agent-at-Large, Oregon State College Extension Service .

5.
 /'

Value of Planning·
Manufacturers have been known to construct complete new
plants if they could effect a 1 per cent saving in cost of production
through proper design and arrangement of production equipment and
operation s.
A Vermont 1 dairy farmer with a herd of 22 Jer seys rearranged
his dairy barn and changed his chore routine to save two hours per
day on his chores. This saving amounts to '730 hours, OR 2 MONTHS
AND 13 DAYS MAN LABOR SAVED IN A YEAR ' S TIME . .
A Minnesota 2 dairyman moved his milkhouse 70 feet nearer his
barn and saved 20 miles of walking and 1 day's time per year.
The machine* labor necessary to grow and harvest the 1946
crops has been calculated for two 160-acre Deschutes County farms .
Because of a more efficient field layout and other farm management
practices, o_ne farm with 9 more crop acres than the other was found
to require 56 hours less machine labor for the year.

Labor saved by planning may be used profitably

Aside from the money saving involved, the saving in labor . evi-
denced by these examples means that the farmer can use the time
saved to:
► Increase the size of his business.
► Improve the quality of his products.
· ► Improve his home, work on civic affair s, or spend more time with
his family.

Value of an attractive farm home

Planning of an attractive , comfortable farm home has its own
particular value. A farmer's home is both his business headquarters
and the center of his family activity. An attractive farm home will
be a special inducement for the young people to spend more of their
time there and to bring their friends home for a good time. , It may
be the determining factor as to whether a farmer's son remains on the
farm or becomes a city dweller. Farmers are in the happy position
of being able to have most of the comforts found in the city with all
the advantages of living in the country. Satisfaction and pride in a
fine farm and home often are, and rightly so, just as important to
farm people as profitable business 'operations .
'Lab or Saving Through Farm Job Analysis - I. Dairy Bar n Cho1·es, by R. M. Carter,
Vt. A gr . Exp. Sta. Bull. 503, June 1, 1943. '
2Farmstead Planning , by E . B. Cleland, Minn . Ext. Fold. 135. .
* Refers only to machine operations nec essary to g row and [Link] a crop plus a man
to operate the machin ery , '

6
Purpose of this bulletin
· Because of the wide variety of conditions -to be found on differ-
ent farms, it is the author's purpose to bring to the reader some of
the main principles to be considered in layout of the farm and plan-
ning of the farmstead. A number of possibilities and alternatives
that may be adapted by the reader to his own farm conditions are
offered in this bulletin. It is hoped the reader will be able to use this
material to solve his problems in balancing the many factors to be
considered in farm planning.

Choice of a System of Farming

The first step in farm planning is choosing the system of farm-
ing. Farming practices associated with the system the farmer chooses
will largely determine the farm and farmstead layout. For example,
the arrangement of the farmstead and design of the buildings would
be quite different on a dairy farm than oh a farm where crops are
the main enterprise.

Farm layout should provide flexibility in use

.
I •
Layout of the farm itself and location of the buildings should
provide flexibility, should a farmer later decide to change his system
of farming. Low fruit prices might make it advisable· for a fruit
farmer to add dairying to his farm business. If his farm buildings
are located in the center of his road frontage, rotation and access to
his pastures will be much easier. In addition, such a farmstead loca-
tion gives the farmer maximum room to expand his lots and corrals
and add more buildings if he desires.

Farm layout for maximum soil building practices

Rotation of pastures over all the farm is one of the fastest means
of building soil fertility. Here again, location of the farmstead in'.
the center of the ·road frontage provides the flexibility that makes
such a practice possible. A farmstead located at the end of a mile-
long farm would make pasturing at the other end impracticable.
Fencing costs and travel to a pasture a mile away would usually be
too great for desirable profit. As manure is seldom hauled such a
distance, crop yields are usually lower in fields farthest from the
farmstead. Good farm arrangement will make it possible to carry
out efficient, profitable farming practices.
7
 I

The Farm Survey

After the choice ' of a system of farming, the next step for a
farmer who has not yet laid out his fields is to obtain a contour map
of his farm. In many irrigated areas contour maps have alread y
been made of almost all farms. These maps, or assistance in getting
one, may be obtained from the local county agent.
Use of a contour map
The information provided by a contour map will be useful to
determine whether there is more than one good way to lay out the
fields and irrigation system. Assistance from an irrigation engi-
neer may be obtained to lay out the farm irrigation system. He
may also help determine the logical field boundaries.
Some flexibility in field layout is usually possible, depending on
the slope of the land. Two or three desirable farmstead sites are
quite often available. If there is enough flexibility in field arrange-
ment it should be possible to take advantage of the most desirable
farmstead site.

Selectingthe Farmstead Site

It is usually desiraqle to locate the farmstead adjacent to a main
traveled road. Accessioility to the school bus and power and tele-
phone lines, ease in marketing of farm products, and the availability
of a good road at all times are all big factors in such a location. In
the case of large farms, the operating efficiency that results from the
farmstead being near the center of the farm usually outweighs the
advantages of its being close to the road.
Corner crossroads location not desirable
Location of the farmstead near a corner crossroads has the ad-
vantage of access to two ~oads and more than one entrance to the
·-
1·~

----
•
- !====::!====::t----1

Figure 1. 160-acre farm . Farmstead located in center of road frontage.

8
farmstead. The additional field travel such a site makes necessary,
however, far outweighs this advantage. Further, a corner site pro-
vides only half as much room for expansion of corrals and pastures
near the farmstead as a site in the center of the road frontage.
Location of the farmstead near the center of the road frontage is
especially desirable for a livestock or dairy farm. Central location
(1) provides easy access to all fields from a central lane; (2) provides
expansion room for corrals , and rotation of night and intensive pas-
tures; (3) provides maximum flexibility for change in operations ; and
(4) keeps field travel to a minimum .

----
I
• -
Figure 2. BO-acre farm. Cor- Figure J . BO-acre farm. Cen-
ner farmstead location. tral farmstead location.

As compared to the central farmstead location in Figure 3, the

corner location in Figure 2 would require approximately 70 per cent
more travel from the farmstead to the fields. With a central location
less distance is required to haul manure and other heavy loads, rota-
tion of pastures is easier, stock travel less distance to a central water
supply, and there is less lane fencing to build and maintain. , Only
in exceptional circumstances should the corner location in Figure 2
be chosen.
Good drainage is important
The building site should be well drained. A gently sloping knoll
is the best location. Good drainage is essential for family health and
9
proper sewage disposal. Good drainage is also desirable for the
location of lots and corrals. If an otherwise desirable site does not
have sufficient drainage, it is often possible to do some ditching, fill-
ing, or tile laying to correct the fault.
Water supply and irrigation
Depending on the locality, the water and irrigation supply may
be one and the same source. If farmers depend on the main ditch
to furnish stock water, and if the supply is not too plentifu l, it is
wise to locate the farmstead reasonably close to the point of water
delivery. Such a location would keep ditch absorption and loss be-
tween point of delivery and the farmstead pond at a minimum. It
would also be more convenient from the standpoint of general farm
irrigation and especially for irrigation of garden ·, orchard, and pas-
ture near the farmstead . ·
Use of natural windbreaks ·
Although irrigated sections generally have but few natural wind-
breaks, a grove of trees or a hill is a big advantage in saving feed and
fuel if such a windbreak is available. Too often such a windbreak is
not located properly for use . It is usually a better practice to put the
farmstead in the most desirable location, then plant a windbreak where
it will give maximum protection.
Nature of the soil
Good soil is always desirable for the orchard and garden . Th is
is usually a minor factor, however, unless the best farmstead site
happens to be on unu sually sandy or stony soil. . Average soil and
very often poor soil can be brought up to a highly productive level by
the use of manure, commercial fertilizer, green manure , and cover
crops.
The Final Decision
The farmer must balance desirable field layout with the essential .
factors of a good farmstead location.
The farmer's final decision on his total layout problem will deter-
mine the efficiency in the use of his labor and irrigation water _for as
long as he operates the farm.

How M~chto Investin Buildings?

The question of how much money to invest in buildings is one
of the most important decisions a farmer has to make. It is so im-
portant, in fact, that the decision he makes may well determine his
course of progress as a farmer .
10
Farmst ead investm ent in new communities
In newly settled communities there are so many uses for a
farmer's available funds that the matter of investing those funds
wisely is of extreme importance. Without question it is desirable
to invest capital where it will be the most productive. Most farmers
will agree that it is desirable to maintain a reasonable standard of
living even while becoming established in a new community . Such
a standard would include a comfortable home for the family and edu-
cational opportunities for the children . It need not mean an expen-
sive home. Dn the contrary, it may be a temporary home built with
a minimum of expense. Your county agent can supply you with .
plans for "Add To" houses . These houses are especially designed
to ,be expanded as the family grows · a"nd more funds are available
for building.
Expen sive hou sin g of liv es toc k not nec es sary
Experiments have shown that expensive housing is not necessary
for livestock. In a dry climate beef cattle need only a windbreak or
an open shed. Stanchion barns or milking parlors on dairy farms
must conform to certain regulations if Grade A products are sold, but
they need not be elaborate. Experiments have shown that dairy
cows that get plenty of exercise and are housed in open sheds usually
have longer productive lives. .
Portable buildings are usuall y/ best for hogs and growing poul-
try . With laying hens it is a question of whether the farmer wants
only a small family flock or a farm flock of 500 hens or more . Hous-
ing is relatively standard for each size unit.
Crop storag e merits careful considerati on
With grains and potatoes storage becomes a factor. Here again
there is a great deal of flexibility in management practic es. The
cost of storage will rarely be justified to the grower of small acre-
ages of either potatoes or grain. Repair and maintenance, insur ance
premiums , taxes, and interest on the investment are all annual ex-
penses and charges on buildings that must be met. The se yearl y
expense s vary between 5 and 10 per cent of the original cost of the
building , depending on the type of construction.
Fo.r example : A building costs $1,000 to construct. The build-
ing would have to earn $50 to $100 per year before it would even
begin to pay for storage of grain . In many years the trend of the
market would be such that it would not pay to store at all. During
the year s the farmer decides not to store, the building would be idle
unless it could be used for s_omething else. Thus, IT I ~ EVIDENT THAT
A CROP FARMER SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER SU CH FACTORS BEFORE
HE CONSTRUCTS STORAGE FOR HIS CROPS.

-11
Figure 4. An example of productive use of a farmer's capital funds.
Land leveling will bring fast returns through more efficient use
of irrigation water and higher crop yields.

In some areas lack of 11?-arketingfacilities may require that some

farm storage be built. Storage for grain to be fed on the farm is
usually desirable. Even then it is rarely necessary to provide storage
for a full year's grain supply.
Use capital funds for most productive returns
In newly settled communities farm operations are flexible enough
and building requirements are such that it is possible and desirable
for farmers to expe nd their investment capital for its most produc-
tive uses. Investments in land leveling, fertilizer, seed, equipment,
and livestock usually bring the most .immediate returns. Livestock
involves some housing, but the initial requirements may be met by
temporary housing until farm income allows the construction of per-
manent buildings.
Construction of permanent buildings
WHEN A FARMER IS READY TO CONSTRUCT PERMANENT BUILD-
INGS, HE SHOULD CALCULATE HIS REQUIREMENTS VERY CAREFULLY
ON THE BASIS OF HIS EXPECTED LONG-TIME FARM OPERATIONS.
For an example of the importance of investment costs, an invest-
ment of $20,000 in permanent buildings means an annual main-
tenance · expense of $1,000 to $2,000 . . Thus for each $1,000 saved
on building construction, approximately $100 will be saved each year
on building maintenance expense. Savings made at the expense of

12
adeq uate constru ction are not advisab le. Th e importance of caref ul
calculat ion of building requirements before constructi on is begun
cannot be overempha sized.
Size of the farm •
The size of the farm is a big factor in building investment. A
$ 10,000 building inve stment on 160 acres is an investment of $62.50
per acre; the same investm ent on an 80-acre farm would amount to
$125 per acre . Such an investment on an 80-acre farm would result
in a $6 to $12 per acre yearly maintenance expense on buildings.
Excessive building costs are often incurred on small farms. Farmers
should not make the mistake of expect ing farm income from small
farms to pay for heavy building costs. Building costs excessive_ for
the size of the farm are seldom recovered in the sale of the property.
Making the final decision
Whenever a farmer reaches that stage of financial security
where he has no debts, ha s provided an education for hi s -childr en,
and feels his futur e well secured, then, if ever, he is in a position to
construct building s wit hout regard to cost or return. Unt il he
reache s that stage in life he should ai;[Link] these questions before he
inve ts his capital in farm buildings :
1. Is this particular building necessary for my present farm
operations? Would temporary construction fit my needs
until farm income can be used for permanent buildings?
2. Would capital funds spent for livestock or equipment bring
me greater returns .
3. Is this the best time to build? Would the supply, quality, or
price of building materials be more favorable in a year
or so?
4. Does this building fit the long-time needs of my farm opera-
tions?
5. Will the cost and size of building be in keeping with the
size of lily farm?
6. Will the use of this building pay me a return above annual
maintenance expenses?
7. Will construction of this building result in the use of funds
needed for the family, such as education for the children?

Figure 5. An example of excessive investment in buildings. Located

on a 165-acre farm, these structures can house 120 cows and addi-
tional young stock . There is also room to store quantities of
loose hay and other feeds. But annual maintenance expenses
amount to $2,500.
 Arrangement of the Farmstead
In the arrangement of the farmstead the location of the house
comes first. · The home is the center of attractio n and the focal point
-of family activit y. It shou ld be· located so that drainage will be
away from the house in one or more directions. The high point of
a knoll is an excellent location.
The home should be set back 60 to 75 feet from the road. Closer
than 60 feet is undesirable because of dust, noise, and traffic danger
to children. Experience has shown that a house placed more than 75
feet from the road results in a lawn too large to be well kept. These
general rules will vary in individual° cases, however, according to
personal preference and other location factors.

Value of a pleasant view

A most import ant factor is to place the living side of the home
so the most favorable view is available at all times . The sight of
snow-capped mountains from the living, room or kitchen window is
an important and enjoyable part of daily living. The beauties of
nature always tend to make heart s and tasks much lighter.

Face the house in any direction

It is a common custom for the house t·o face the road. In some
cases .this custom may produce undesirable results as when the bene- .
fit of the winter sun is not obtained. The house is then harder to
heat , and sometimes a pleasing landscape is lost to view. Where
space is available there is little reason why a home should not be
placed at any angle that will be the most sunny and cheerful in winter
and offer the most pleasant view at all times . It has been found,
however, that many farm people prefer to have a south exposure for
the living room, and a north and east exposure for the kitchen .
There should be some sun light in every room of the [Link] at some
time each day.

,..Figure 6, A poorly arranged farmstead. First thing to meet the vis-

itor 's eye is the old barn and manure pile. Drainage of the farm-
stead is very poor. The house is fairly attractive, but should
have been located so as to screen the barn from view .
Figure 7. Two beautiful trees frame the approach to this attractive -
. farm home. The house is set on the highest point of a knoll with
drainage toward the outbuildings in the rear. Homesite is nicely
landscaped with lawns and a moderate amount of shrubbery.
Farmstead is well arranged without excessive building investment.

3
Electric Transformer Location
The transformer should, for economic reasons, be located at or
near the farm electric power load center to keep down wire sizes and
costs and it must be sufficiently close to motors to give good voltage regu-
lation. The pole on which the transformer is hung must be so lo-
cated as to be protected from heavy farm machinery and rubbing by
animals. It must be placed where it will not interfere with farmyard
operations. Due consideration should be given to the loeation of the
transformer and the water pump from the standpoint of fire protec-
tion. The pump should be on a separate circuit , and the transformer
pole and pump house should be placed where they are least likely to
be affected by a farmstead fire.

Important factors in transformer location are :

1. Farmstead layout.
2: Voltage regulation requirements.
3. Location of the large power consuming equipment.
4. Transformer pole protection.
5. Protection against possible fire damage.
6. Noninterference with regular or seasonal work in the farm-
yard.
3By M . G . Hub er , ex tension agri cultur al en gin eer, Orego n State College.

15
 Location of Sewage Disposal
Orego~ State College Extens ion Bulletin 670 4 sets out in detai l
regulations of the State Board of Health concerning location and
methods of sewage disposal.
In general, the septic tank must be located at a lower elevation
than the house, and 100 to 150 feet downhi ll from any water supply .
. It should be protected from livestock.

Location of Outbuildings
Farm buildings should, wherever possible, be located behind the
house. When driving along the road or into the driveway, the home,
set on an attractive lawn and framed by trees, shrubs, and flowers,
should be the first object to meet the traveler's eye.
Type of farming influences build ing arrangement
The type of farming and farming practices are important con-
siderations in location of buildings, corrals, gates, and lanes. This
is especia lly true on livestock and dairy farms.
► Design of the building to be constructed and its location should
both be influenced principa lly by desirab le f~rm practices
and efficiency of labor. For example, clean ground each
year is essential in raising of young chickens and pigs.
Legume pasture is also desirable for young, growing ani-
mals. Portable hog houses, brooder houses, and range
shelters fit into this practice.
► On dairy farms the barn and corral should be so located that
it is poss ible to rotate pastures without excessive chore
labor being involved.
► Livestock buildings shou ld be located so that it is not necessary
to go through feed lots or corra ls to reach them.
► Farm scales shou ld be adjacent to corrals or feed lots in order
to weigh livestock and feed with the least effort.
► Bull pens should be located where the bull can have pasture and
exercise . The breeding chute should be adjacent to the barn
or corral.
► It is desirable, but not essential, to have livestock buildings
placed on a north-so uth axis and thus provide maximum
sunlight and ventilation.
► The livestock buildings and corrals should be placed on the
side of the house that will prevent prevailing winds from
carrying objectionable odors into the home.
4Sep t ic T an ks fo r O,·egon Rura l H om es, by M. G. Hub er.

16
Figure 8. A farm court arrangement of a farmstead uses a relatively
small amount of land for building lots.

Figure 9: Same farmstead as shown in Figure '8, as seen .from road.

Farm court arrangement permits maximum of labor efliciency in
doing daily chores. ·

Good building arrangement saves the farmer's time

Studies of a group of farms in Minnesota 5 show that livestock
farmer~ spend approximately 75 per cent of the~r time around the
farm buildings. If the farmer tr avels five extra steps each day while
doing his chores, he travels one extra mile in a year. Interior ar-
rangement of buildings, particularly in dairy barns, is ~ven more
important in keeping travel and chore time to a minimum.
To show the value of farmstead planning, a comparison has
been made of the labor efficiency of the farmsteads in Figures 10 and
11. The absolut e minimum chore travel between buildings was calcu-
lated for each farmstead. Actually chore travel would be consider-
able more on the F igur e 10 farmstead, and it wou ld continue to show
an increasing disadvantage by comparison because of the _greater dis-
tance between buildings.
' Fa rms t ead Planning, by S. B. Cleland, Minn eso ta Exten sion Folder 135.

17
 -FIELD--.

, ••••
11 \I

BA RN

0 0
..J ..J
l ◄ O'
"' w
[JQ
sows

GARDEN
HENS

II\,..
R O A D

Q' 5P'
• ca I•
Figure 10. A farmstead that _"just grew."

Yearly chore travel for the farmstead in Figure 10 is estimated

at 333 miles.
Yearly chore travel for the planned farmstead in Figure 11 is
estimated at 171 miles-a saving of 162 miles per year by
planning.
Comparative time saved would amount to approximately 80
hours per year-enough for the farmer's family to enjoy an
8-day vacation.

Pertinent facts to be pointed out -about the inefficient farmstead

arrangement in Fig ure 10 :
The buildings are farther apart than desirable for efficiency and
farther apart than necessary · for fire protection. Generally,
the barn should be approximately 150 feet from the house,
and the other buildings 50 feet or more apart for adequate
fire protection. Preferably buildings are arranged so pre-
vailing winds cannot spread fire. ·
The granary should be nearer the barn and hog houses where
most of the feed is used.
· The poultry house has no feed storage . ·
The garage is too far from the house.
The milkhouse should be located close to the barn for greater
efficiency.
A farmstead arrangement that is deeper · than it is wide is usually
the most efficient.

18
 CATTLE GUARD
TO
Fl ELD S
t
I
I
I
-0:FARMCOURT

~FIELD
=i GRAVELED
PASTURE
I
I

R O A D ,_.~o
•
Qi.''!','!''c"!a"'I

Figure 11. Same farmstead as shown in Figure 10, after rearrangement.

The following points apply to the efficient farmstead arrangement

shown in Figure 11 :
The farm court arrangement allows circular chore travel from
building to building.
Every building is visible from the rear entrance of the house.
The back yard entrance is on a direct line with the entrance to
the milkhouse. This cuts down chore travel and coincides
with the practice of putting the milking equipment together
as the first step in milking the cows.
The granary is the drive-through-the-center type. It is adjacent
to the barn and hog houses where grain will be used.
The garage is just outside the back yard gate, convenient, yet
far enough from the house to keep dust raised by automo-
biles from settling in the home.
The machine shed is out from the fence so that doors may be
opened on both sides of the building. Machinery may be
pulled through · the shed rather than backed out.
The milkhouse is adjacent to the barn. This placement elimi-
nates two extra 'trips per day. '·
A cattle guard is used for the entrance to the lane; this saves the
time and trouble of opening a gate .
The poultry house location allows range for the hens. This
poultry house has a feed storage room .

19
Figure 12. A gate and cattle guard combination on a Deschutes County
farm. A series of such combinations in a central farm lane per-
mits livestock to travel to pasture as far down the lane as the
gates are opened. Machinery can travel from one end of the farm
to the other without opening a single gate.

Field Layout
GooD IRRIGATIONPRACTICEis the first consideration in field
layout. Because of this factor it may be difficult to secure an ~deal
field layout on some farms.
Certain general factors shou ld be kept in mind and may be used
within the FLEXIBILITYOF GOODIRRIGATIONPRACTICE. These are:
► F ields 5 acres in size require 10 per cent 6 more machine labor
than fields 15 acres or more in -size.* This means that
under average conditions a 5-acre field of potatoes would
require 2 hours more machine labor per acre than a field 15
acres or more in size. Assuming 1946 wage rates of $3
per hour for a machine and its operator, the 5-acre field
would require $6 per acre more machine labor than the 15-
acre field.
► A rectangular field requires 20 per cent 7 less machine labor than
a triangular field. Assuming 1946 wage rates of $3 per
hour for a machine and its operator, machine labor costs
would average $12 per acre more for a triangular field of
potatoes than for a rectangular field.
► Irregular fields should be used for hay or pasture.
► Rocks, trees, or other field obstructions should be removed for
efficient farming with machinery.
•• 'Economic Study of Farm Layout, by W. I . Myers, Cornell Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta.
Memoir 34.
* Data adjusted to current machine operations.

20
 ► Fencing cost per acre DECREASES as the size of the field IN-
[Link] electric and easily movable temporary fence
for rotation pastures and temporary needs. On many farms
the only permanent fences necessary are the outside boun-
dary fence and the fence for corr als and a central lane .

5 A
BARL EY

\9 A. /
I
POTATOE5 t
.,.

~ 14.4A
OATS

,1---~-----~--- ~ -.....__
..,,,
•..
25 A. AL S IKE. CLOVER_
BAR r------ - . IOA OATS
5 A BARLEY .-

lRR [Link] . DITCHES - IRRIGATION DITCHES

Figure 13. Farm A . Figure 14. Farm B.

The following should be noted about FARM A (Figure 13):

Although this is not an ideal layout and some of the s_mall fields
are unnecessary, the majority of the crop acreage is in large
fields enabling efficient operation of machinery.
Small irregular fields are in alfalfa and pasture eliminating much
machine operation.
When compared with Farm B (Figure 14), better farm layout
and farm management practices resulted in an estimated
saving of 56 hours machine labor* in growing and harvesting
the 1946 crops, or a 15 per cent crop acre saving.
The following may be noted about FARM B:
The fields are too small for efficient operation of machinery .
Leveling the land for irrigation would permit a new field layout
with fields as large as good irrigation practice will permit.
In addition to the man labor it is safe to assume would be neces-
sary, the 56 hours more machine labor * required for this
farm, if valued at $3 per hour, would amount to $16~ an-
nually. Capitalized at 5 per cent interest, the owner of this
farm could afford to spend $3,360 to level his land and lay
out a new irrigation system and field arrangement.
* Refer s only to machine operations necessary to g row and harvest a crop plus · a man
to operate the machinery~alculated from adjusted data in Economic Study of Farm Layout
by \V. I. Myers, Cornell Univ. Exp. Sta. Memoir 34.

21
 Garden,[Link], a,ndWindbreak
One-half acre of garden can usually produce enough vegetables
for a family of average size. Tl].e garden should be located adjacent
to the lawn so the housewife can step out the back door and gather
vegetables for the family table. Fertile, well drained soil is desirable
for a good garden.

The orchard
There .is always some question whether the time and expense
involved in the care of a family orchard is justifiable when alter-
native uses of the land and time are considered .
It is often cheaper to purchase the family fruit supply than
raise it. The health of the farm family, however, is the first consid-
eration, and if the fruit supply is grown rather than purchased it is
more likely to be sufficient for the family needs. Some families com-
promise by planting fruit trees in the back yard, and a few rows of
berries in the garden, and then purchasing enough fruit to supple-
ment the amount grown. At any rate the orchard should either be
small enough so hand equipment will take care of disease ,and insect
control, or be large enough to justify the cost and use of power
equipment.
It is desirable to have the orchard located as close to the house
as efficient farm layout will permit . Since the orchard harvest comes
at a few definite times and the cultivation may be done by machinery,
it is not as important to have the orchard near the house as it i.s to
have the garden close by.

Windbreaks
Most irrigated sections have no natural protection from the
winter winds that sweep across the valleys and plateaus. A good
thick windbreak properly set will do much to save feed and fuel.
- Windbreaks should be set approximately 50 feet from the out-
side boundary of the farmstead across the path of the prevailing
winter wind. Two rows of native evergreens set in an alternate
pattern so the trees in one row stop the wind going between the trees
in the other row give the best protection. To provide an early wind-
break, a row of fast growing trees also may be planted. These are
cut out afte r the evergreens mature.
Native evergreens recommended 8 are: junipers, blue spruce,
dwarf pine, and American and Siberian arborvitae.
•Recommended by R. Ralph Clark, O.S .C. extension horticulturist.

22
 Beautification of Home Grounds
Every farmstead plan should provide for landscaping and beauti-
fication of the home grounds. Time and labor, rather than the money
expended, are the big factors in home beautification. If the farm-
stead is efficiently arranged, enough leisure will result to allow ample
time for making the home attractive. The joy and pride in having
a beautiful farm home, and the pleasant home life resulting from it,
are both above monetary value. Some of the general principles in
planning the home grounds are :
Establish a good lawn.
Do not plant trees or shrubs where they will obstruct the front
view of the home or block off a pleasing landscape.
Screen unsightly objects with tall shrubs.
Use low shrubs to screen from view the foundation of the house.
Taller shrubs may be used at corners or between windows.
Plan a back yard picnic area to include an outdoor fireplace and
lawn furniture.
Flowers should be used as borders around walks and fences and
at the edge of the shrubbery around the foundation of the
house. A flower garden in the back yard is desirable.
Plantings of native shrubs are usually a good idea, because they
are hardy and adapted to the cl\mate.
In addition to native shrubs, other recommended shrubs' are:
spireas ·, lilacs, hardy hydrangeas, honeysuckle, mock orange,
Japanese barberry, and the hardy roses.
Trees recommended' 0 for beauty and shade are the native ever-
green, junipers, blue spruce, dwarf pine, American and
Siberian arborvitae, and the deciduous trees such as locui;t,
birch, red oak, black walnut, maple, hackberry, white ash,
and the hardy fruit trees. It is sometimes possible to obtain
a supply of trees from the State Forester for use as wind-
breaks on the farm.

Put the Plan on Paper

Many a farmer has been heard to say, "If I were building that
barn again I'd move it about SOfeet to the right," or, "That machine
shed is just in the wrong place, but it's too late now."
These are unfortunate examples ·of not having put the farm
and farmstead plan on paper. Using an eraser to change the location
of a building on a plan is an easy task , but mistakes discovered after
the building is already constructed are mistakes the farmer must live
with for the life ?f the building.
9 , 1•Recommended by R. Ralph Clark , O .S.C. exten sion horti culturi st.

L
Planning is a family affair
Since the welfare of all members of the farm family is con-
cerned, PLANNING SHOULD BE A FAMILY AFFAIR. Particularly is this
true in planning the home. Regardless of whether all buildings are
to be constructed immediately · or some time in the future when funds
become available, the complete plan should be. put on paper. Only
in this way it is possible to see the relationship of one building to
another in the farmstead arrangement. The plan may be altered as
time and chang<:s in conditions demand.

Make two complete plans

Two complete plans should be made; one of the whole farm
showing field layout and location of the farmstead, and one a detailed
plan of the farmstead showing building locations, corrals, walks, feed
racks, water supply , and plan of the home grounds. A scale of 100
feet to the inch is usually desirable for the plan of the whole farm.
So that all the details may be shown, a scale of approximately 20 feet
to the inch is desirable for the plan of the farmstead.
After the plari has been made, studied, and agreed upon by the
family it _should be drawn in ink on good quality paper as a per-
manent record.

Put building plans on paper

The plan and design of all buildings should also be put on paper
before construction. Usually it is desirable to obtain technical as-
sistance in the actual planning of farm buildings. Obtaining working
drawings or blueprints of buildings before construction will avoid
many costly errors. Developing the plan and study of the blueprint
will stimulate and focus thinking on the details of arrangement. It
is through such a process that many money saving ideas are developed.
Every local county agent has detailed plans for nearly every type of
farm building. These plans have been developed by the Agricultural
Engineering Department at Oregon State College, which also main-
tains a blueprinting service operated on a cost basis for farmers and
other persons desiring blueprints of building plans. These blueprints
may be ordered through your local county agent.

Value of planning a new farm

Putting plans on paper is of immedi ate value to the farmer who
is laying out a complete new farm, for he has the opportunity to
avoid many of the mistakes usually made where farm improvements
"just grew" as need arose .

24
Figure 15. Feed grinding. With an overhead bin arrangement and a
3 or 5 horsepower electric motor on a hammer mill, one man can
grind and elevate enough grain in .1 1/2 hours to supply a 30-cow
dairy herd for one week. Maximum use of electrical equipment
cuts down high labor costs. (Photoiraph by courtesy Westing-
house Electric Corporation.)

Farm planning for the established farmer

EVEN TH)': ESTABLISHED FARMER WILL RECEIVE A GREAT DEAL OF
VALUE FROM PREPARING PLANS FOR REARRANGEMENT OF HIS FARM
AND FARMSTEAD AS A LON G-RA N GE PROJECT. As new buildings and
fences are constructed, changes can be gradually made that will in-
crease the efficiency of his farm plant. In many cases it is possible
to rearrange the interior of a building with a resulting increase in
labor efficiency that soon will pay for the cost .

25
 "'
a
_,
"'
...
_.. FIELD FIELD-c._
0
,-.

SUMMER "'
z
"-' . OUTSIDE HAY

0 BULL PEN
CATTLE GUARD
"'
r
"'
"z
.: ITANK

"_,
0
CORRAL
MACHINE SHED
BULL PASTURE

M!LKHOUSE
PORTABLE
HOGHOLISES
GRANARY

FARM COUIIT IIIAV[LED

_,
0

"' PASTURE

000
000
000
I
WINTER
WINOS
000
000
11 0 0
(..;~RCHARO'q

ROAD

N
Q' sp'
t I Ca II

Figure 16. Farmstead facing south. Dairying as main enterprise.

26
 ~~:tR
\'
PASTURE

FIELD....__
PORTABLE
HOG HOUSES
g
Q GRANARY

OOOOQ
00000 W....... SHED
CATTLE GUARO 1
00000 SHOP

OGOOO ORCHARD
FARII ..,
0

X
COURT "'

0
111 AVE LEO
r CORRAL

"0 FEED
-<'
0: ROOII

MILKHOUSE

BULL
PASTURE

TENANT HOU SE

WINTE/
WINDS
N
t
o'
s ca I,
5ll'

Figure 17. Farmstead facing west . Dairying as main enterprise.

27
 SUMMER
WINDS

~ Fl ELD

0
.J

..
"'
_,,
.MACHINE
SHED

W SHOP
FARM

COURT

GRAVELED

CATTLE GUARD

""
0
.J

..
"'
MILK HOUSE

~EEO
ROOM
..
0000 00 0
a:

OGOO 00
::::
rn000000
0000 00
ORCHARD

HOG PASTURE

GRANARY PORTARLE
..
~ ~~~SES

N o' 50 ' ·

t SC O It

Figure 18. Farmstead facing east. Dairying as main enterprise.

28
 WINOS

RO A 0

000
000
QOG
00G
ODO
00◊
ORCHARD

GARA .GE

~
0
..J GR AN ARV

_J
.. QQ
"'
- FARM COURT GRAVELED

"' ,I
"'

..m
"'
:,

..
0
1:
0
:r
MACHINE
SHED

.......
"'
..J
✓

..
"'
0

~,
'

FIEL D 'i N
t ~- scale
so'

Figure 19. Farmstead facing north. Dairying as main enterprise.

·29
 "'
0
J
~FIELD~
"'
... FIELD ---

...
0

ROOM . FOR OTHER

BUILOINGS
POTATO
CELL AR

·w MACHINE
SHED

FIE LO --.c-

••• SHOP

I
WINTER
WINOS

N Q' 50 '
t a Ca I I

Figure 20. Farmstead facing south. Crops as main enterprise.

30
 CATTLE GUARD
WINOS

...
....
a: HOLDING
BALED HAYI :,

.... P AST U R'E

OPEN
..
0

SHED

~
SCA L E
MACHINOEVE~iii:G ,
SHE 0
CHUTE
OPEN

' SHED

SH O p ~3:Ell-====~~=ll-&ffi3"'- BALE O HAY

00 0
000 ·0 FIELD.__

0000
OQDO
OODQ
O OQO ORCHAR D

RO A 0
WINTER WINOS/

N o· so·
t SC a It

Figure 21. Farmstead facing south. Cattle fe'eding as main enterprise.

31
 The Farmstead Scorecard
After the plan of the farm and farm stead has been made and
thoroughly studi ed, and befor e the plan is put in final form, a thor-
ough recheck of all its features should be made.
How · does your farm and farmstead score against these
qualifications?
1. Are your fields laid out for maximum irrigation efficiency?
2. Are your fields laid out for most efficient use of machinery
and labor?
3. Is your farmstead located on a good road, where' travel to
fields will be at a minimum, and where all fields are easily
accessible for rotation of pastures?
4. Is your farmstead adequately drained and reasonably close to
its water supply?
5. Are your buildings arranged for a minimum of chore travel,
both inside and between · buildings.
6. Are your buildings designed to include as much labor saving
equipment as possible, such as overhead feed bins, and a
maximum of electrically operated machinery?
7. Are your buildings designed to conform to the latest develop-
ments in approved farm practices?
8. Are your main buildings far enough ' apart (150 feet barn to
house, 50 feet between outbuildings) for adequate fire pre-
vention? Do your over-all plans include adequate in-
surance?
9. Does your home plan provide comfort and pleasure for all
your family and a view of the most pleas _ing landscape?
10. Does your plan include beautification of the home grounds
and a back yard picnic area.
11. Are the garden, garage, and poultry house convenient to the
house? ·
12. Do you plan a windbreak of hardy native evergreens, set 50 to
100 feet from the main buildings across the path of the
winter winds?
Because of . the wide ran ge in conditions fou nd on every farm, a
farmer will be ind eed fortunate if he can answer "yes" to all of these
12 qualifications of a good farm and farmstead layout. But a good
plan for an attractive, efficient farm is something all members of the
fam ily will be willing to work and strive for . Such an achievement,
however)ong in coming, will bring satisfaction and joy of living to
th ~ family for years to come.

Cooperative Extens ion Work in Agricu ltur e and Home Economics

vVm. A. Schoenfeld, Director
Oregon State College and United States Depa r tmen t of Agriculture, Coope r at ing
Printed and di stributed in furth eran ce of the Acts of Congress of May · 8 and June 30, 1914