As we've been moving towards the "official farm" designation, we've found that just filing with IRS isn't sufficient.
Because we have a small sheep flock, we had to register for the scrapies program. Now we have an official farm number from the state of Utah.
Additionally, our insurance premiums are changing as we have to get "farm coverage". That's a real hoot when the agent is trying to figure out our real liability.
I'm not sure if there is an agricultural break for truck licensing in Utah. I know there is in Oregon and it allows you to use fuel that isn't fully taxed. Lo unto you though if you're caught using that fuel for anything except off-road farm use. They even add a dye so you're easily identified.
As far as zoning, that's a whole new "bag of manure". Thankfully, we're already designated for rural.
Around here, the real issue is water rights. They're very expensive and the big alfalfa growers have bought up most of them. We have only 1 acre-foot for our entire 10 acres. That means 9 acres stays dry.
So, are we a farm yet? We have one young (2 year old) horse; six yearling or better ewes, one ram, 2 little ewe lambs, and two market lambs; and 35 chicks... hopefully about 20 pullets and 15 cockerels. We're still working to build our soil with a small redworm project and creating compost.
Once we have all the licensing and insurance in place, we'll put our farm sign up at the corner.
Our crops will be eggs, and wool to start with. Later when we get the greenhouse going, we'll be able to add some veggies. Eventually we want to work with some other local folks to form a Cooperative Sustainable Association. That way we can pre-sell our stuff.
Shari in Beryl UT
Shari's Gone Country
