Foundations of Farm Infrastructure and Animal Care

This unit develops practical knowledge of farm infrastructure, resource systems, and basic animal husbandry needed to start and sustain a hobby farm. It builds on introductory principles (safety, goals, and planning) and prepares students to implement operational systems, select and acquire animals responsibly, and manage routine health and emergency care in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and select appropriate personal protective equipment and task-specific tools for common hobby-farming activities, justifying choices based on safety standards and task requirements
• Evaluate options for on- and off-grid energy, water management, land access, natural barriers, fencing, pasture management, and erosion control, and propose integrated, resource-efficient solutions for a small farm site
• Apply species- and operation-based criteria to compare common hobby-farm animals (including small and medium birds, camelids, bees/aquaculture, and common livestock), evaluate sellers and markets, and plan timing, transport, and initial housing for acquisitions
• Demonstrate basic animal care and health-management practices by preparing a first-aid kit, scheduling preventive care (including vaccinations), and implementing feeding, watering, hygiene, behavior monitoring, and emergency response procedures for common hobby-farm animals