This summary is intended to help new farmers decide what enterprises are feasible on one acre of cleared and fertile land. It is a companion article to this overall resource on enterprise selection.

VEGETABLES/HERBS/CUT FLOWERS
These enterprises are only feasible if an adequate supply of water is available for irrigation and other needs. Intensive production techniques such as raised beds, high tunnels and low tunnels can be utilized to maximize production.

FRUITS/NUTS
If no on-site water source is available, it may be possible to grow blueberries, blackberries, grapes, figs and pawpaws, but only if it’s feasible to haul in water periodically during the first year after planting and in times of drought. Where an adequate supply of water is available, other fruit crops become feasible, including strawberries, apples, peaches/nectarines, pears, persimmons, chestnuts and pecans. Apples could be grown on size-controlling rootstocks and/or high density trellis systems to maximize production on small acreage.

GREENHOUSE/NURSERY
These enterprises are only feasible if an adequate supply of water is available for irrigation and other needs.

LIVESTOCK/FORAGES
A small poultry flock for meat or egg production would be feasible, but only if an adequate water supply is available. One acre is insufficient for ruminants/grazing animals.

SPECIALTY GRAINS
One acre is insufficient to produce a meaningful quantity of grains such as wheat, soybeans or corn.

NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS
In shady areas of the property, it may be possible to raise woodland botanicals and/or log-grown mushrooms. In both cases, irrigation is essential.

TIMBER PRODUCTION
One acre is insufficient to produce a meaningful quantity of timber.