Farming on One Acre: Why Small Farms Matter at Carlton Hill Farm
At Carlton Hill Farm, we’ve chosen to grow and thrive on a single acre of land. Some might wonder: Why take on the challenge of farming small? For us, it’s not just about the land—it’s about the impact, the community, and proving that even a modest space can create something extraordinary.
Small Farms, Big Impact
Small farms like ours play a vital role in today’s food system. While industrial farms dominate the landscape, we’re showing that small-scale agriculture can produce high-quality food, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen local food networks.
By farming on one acre, we can carefully manage every aspect of our operation. Every wildflower we grow, every vegetable we harvest, and every quail or chicken egg we collect reflects our dedication to sustainable and intentional practices.
Feeding Ourselves First
One of our core principles at Carlton Hill Farm is that we always feed ourselves first. This practice is deeply tied to our belief in sustainability and self-reliance.
By growing food for our own table first, we ensure that the choices we make are truly sustainable and nourishing. It also allows us to test the quality of everything we produce. If it’s not good enough for us, it’s not good enough for our customers.
This approach fosters a deeper connection to our food, ensuring that we appreciate the work and care that goes into every meal. It also reinforces the importance of food security—an essential value for any small farm.
Sustainable Practices on One Acre
Working within the bounds of a single acre inspires us to be resourceful and innovative. We use techniques like:
Crop rotation and companion planting to maximize soil health.
Efficient space management to grow seasonal vegetables and flowers without wasting an inch.
Integrated animal systems, where our rabbits, quail, and chickens contribute to soil enrichment and ecosystem balance.
These methods make our farm productive and create a thriving, diverse environment that supports people, plants, and wildlife.
Why Small Farms Matter
Small farms aren’t just about the food they produce—they’re about the values they uphold.
Community Connection: Small farms build meaningful relationships. When you buy from us, you’re connecting directly with the people who grow your food.
Resilience: Local farms help reduce dependency on large, fragile food systems by keeping production close to home.
Biodiversity: Small farms embrace variety instead of monocultures, which helps protect ecosystems and ensures food security.
Proving What’s Possible
Farming on one acre is our way of showing that you don’t need endless fields to make a difference. We grow seasonal vegetables, raise animals, and provide for our community while staying true to sustainable principles.
We hope to inspire others to embrace the power of small spaces, whether by supporting local farms or starting their own gardens.
Growing More Than Food
At Carlton Hill Farm, our focus is on more than just production. We’re growing relationships, sustainability, and a vision for a more connected food system. Our single acre is proof that small spaces can yield big results for the environment, the community, and the future.
When you support small farms, you’re not just buying food—you’re supporting a movement toward local, sustainable, and responsible agriculture. Together, we can build a food system that nurtures both people and the planet.