We are thinking of buying a house in another state that has a backyard next to a farm. We found out that the farm is an organic strawberry farm but don't know anything else about it. Does that mean we don't have to worry about pesticides? We visited it twice and like it a lot but we would appreciate any comments or advice about living next to a farm.
Update: The house has well water and a septic system. It is well fenced. The farm is a U-pick farm.
Thank you for all the replies. If everything goes well, I think we will get the house. We will talk to the farmer, who seems to be well known and respected in the community for his sustainable practices and commitment to healthy living. I also have a friend who knows someone in the neighborhood who will find out about my potential neighbors. We will also test the water. Thank you once again.
I think that sounds great! We live amongst many farms and it is very peaceful and everyone is friendly. Good luck!
We used to live next to a farm. Matter of fact, 3 sides of us were surrounded by corn fields.
Yes, I would take the other ladies advice and talk to the owners. Find out about pesticides, manure, animals, things like that.
My kids LOVED living there. It was so much fun watching the big machinery plant the corn in the spring. Then it would grow so tall in the summer that we couldn't see the road. The it was fun when the cut it down in the fall. There was also the time that their cows got out. I looked out my front door one day and there was a cow standing on my porch! I did NOT like the cow patties that some left behind, but we got a kick out of watching them, from the safety of our house!
It will be a change of life for you all. But I can promise you it is something that your children will never forget!
I'm a farmer's wife. We have dairy cows. Organic is supposed to be 'natural', pesticide free...My first question, since it's Strawberries, is, do they have a farm stand, 'u-pick', or do they produce for grocery stores? Ah, just saw yr update, with U-pick, there will be early and frequent traffic for 4-6 weeks. Be neighborly. Most farmer's are conscientious about caring for their land and respecting their neighbors. Enjoy and do the same. And ask for a water test before you buy :)
I grew up on a farm and it was nice to have the room to roam. Definitely talk to the farmer, but also visit with any other neighbors as well.
Organic means no pesticides. However, I would find out how long the farm has been organic, as they may have used pesticides many years ago. See if the farm has a store attached, or a pick your own, and make a visit so you can learn more about it.
Chances are they fertilize with manure. If your not used to the smell it can be overpowering. Speaking of smells, I hope you like the smell of strawberries, because that too will be overpowering when all the berries rippen.
There are other things to consider, (assuming this is a large farm, many acres) most of the year they'll be no one arround, no nosy neighbors, no late night parties and loud music.
There is a farm behind our backyard. Luckily for us all they grow is grass for hay. I don't think they use pesticides or anything on it. When they are out farming it, the noise is minimal and it's usually empty back there. It's a lot better than having another house out your back yard, very private.
Wow. You get to live next to a strawberries. Large, delicious strawberries and you're not sure???? Seriously, the only thing I would seriously think about is the traffic. How many people are going to be parked in front of your house trying to get those strawberries?? Will children not be allowed to play in the front yard during Strawberry season? How many strangers per day will be stopping at this little fruit stand?
Those would be my questions.
HTH
I grew up very close to a farm. Several important notes:
1) how are the fences? If your neighbors have animals, your children will be attracted to them. We don't want any accidents. Small children can easily get hurt by a 200 pound pig or a 1300 pound horse
2) how do the neighbors feel about children?
3) Organic probably does mean no pesticides, but ask them.
4) if you can, raise some chickens, it is so much fun to watch the eggs hatch, gather eggs, feed the chickens....
5) fresh air, open spaces and farms may make you feel like gardening!
Whatever you decide, I am sure you will do great!
I would talk to the farm owners if possible. See what they use, you may even ask about fertilizer. Just so you are prepared if there is manure...I love the smell, but not all do. You may also want to ask the hours of the workers. Some farm workers work some early hours. Just get a feel for what type of people they are and how they treat possible neighbors.
I grew up in the suburbs of Wash DC, but now we live on a farm in western VA. There is mostly various crops that are grown on the farm, but there are some cows too. There are some days when the smell is pretty bad, but for the most part, it isn't usually a problem. As was mentioned, however, be prepared for pests and the potential for shooting to occur locally to control some of the larger ones.
What would matter is what was there before that current "organic" farm?
Leeching into the soil, over YEARS, is what would matter to me, and what leeched into the soil.... then what is your water source? And what is leeching into that?
Also, what is blowing in the wind? Is there anything they spray/broadcast in their farm, that would blow around in the wind? Which you would then inhale or it may leave residues on where ever it lands????
all the best,
Susan
