Here are some key distinctions that can help you differentiate.įarmers call their land “fields” while ranchers call their land “pastures.”įarmers keep equipment in their barn while ranchers keep cattle.įarmers are focused on water, growth, prices of commodities and produce. Farms and ranches may sound similar but have a few key differences in practiceīecause some farmers raise animals to produce meat and ranchers do the same, you may not see the immediate difference between the two.
Like farms, some ranches focus solely on one animal while others have a variety. These livestock will eventually be slaughtered for their meat and other products (think wool or leather). Thus, ranches are farms (per the USDA definition) where livestock are raised under range conditions. While there is no official definition of a ranch, it is generally considered a place where livestock are grown and grazed to produce meat and other products. You probably think of cattle or cattle ranching when you think of a ranch.īut you may also encounter sheep, goats, pigs, or other animals on ranches. A ranch is a place where livestock are raised in order to produce meat Meat farm: These types of farms exist to raise animals for slaughter and consumption.Įxamples of meat farms include pig and cattle farms (see below). Poultry farm: Poultry farms will raise chickens and turkey for slaughter.Īdditionally, some farms will raise chickens to lay eggs to sell.
In fact, sheep or goat farms are more common for small-scale operations. While you may think of these types of farms as exclusively for cows, other types of dairy farms include sheep or goats. You may also hear fish farms referred to as “aquaculture.”įish farms have garnered negative reputations in the past few decades, but there are ways to create sustainable and clean fish farms.ĭairy farm : These types of farms raise animals for the milk or other dairy products (i.e. There are also small-scale specialty farms that produce a single crop, such as lavender, ornamental plants, landscaping shrubs, heirloom products, etc.įish farm: This is becoming an increasingly more popular type of farm. This means that they grow only one crop at a time. Most large-scale industrial farms in the United States are monoculture farms. Some farms are dedicated to one specific crop that they sell in mass quantities while others opt for a variety of fruits and vegetables. So, if you’re considering using a piece of land as a farm, you have a lot of options, including:Ĭrop farm: This is a farm that grows fruits, vegetables, and grain. Per the United States Department of Agriculture, a farm is any operation that is able to produce at least $1,000 in agricultural products a year.Īs you may deduce, a variety of enterprises can be considered farms based on this definition – from small-scale family operations to massive factory farms. Thus, most of the food products you eat come from a farm. A farm is land cultivated for agricultural productionĪ farm is an area of land used for growing crops and rearing animals for profit. Keep reading to learn more about the differences you must know!ġ.
Understanding these differences can allow you to recognize which property is right for you and your goals. However, while all three do produce food, there are some key differences. It is true that many people use the terms ranch, farm and homestead interchangeably. That said, if you’ve never thought about the differences between the three, we’ve got you covered.
These three types of properties are perfect for those who don’t mind pouring a bit of blood, sweat, and tears into something that they’re ultimately proud to call their own. If you’re looking to live on land that you’re purchasing, why not create a ranch, farm, or homestead?