2

Homestead Planning

Planning Factors 1.Water Supply2.Services3.Fire

Prevention4.Security5.Space

Water Supply• Most essential consideration• Does it need to be developed?• Account for present and future needs• Quality?

If an adequate supply of good water is not available, find another location.

Services to consider1. Road Access• 2 entrances to farmstead• Snow removal issues• Install entrance gates at least 30-40 ft from

public road• Design parking to reduce congestion

Services2. Utilities (Electricity, Phone, Gas)– Plan installation carefully, centralize– Plan for future growth– Consider underground line placement– Record underground lines in great detail

Fire Prevention• Use fire resistant building materials• Consider location of water hydrants• Space buildings properly• Keep grass and weeds mowed around

buildings • Keep shelter belts free of fallen branches

Security• Homesteads & small acreages are

vulnerable to theft, trespassing & arson.• Maintain a clear view from house• Evaluate location of fuel tanks and

portable property• Strategically place lighting • Be able to secure entrances

SpaceDivide the homestead into 4 concentric rings or activity zones.1. Family living2. Machinery storage & service3. Small animal buildings/nursery4. Major livestock facilities

Family Living

Mach. Storage & Service

Small Animal Buildings/Nursery

Major Livestock Facilities

Family Living

House, lawn, play areas, garden, guest parking, drive Operation center – vehicles, animals & materials Short distance to frequent work areas Make sure drainage is sloped away Orient the house to enjoy beautiful view

Mach. Storage & Service

• Shop, work yard, equip. parking, fuel, chemical, and transformer pole.

• Isolate Fuel and chemicals to outer perimeter• Need location for parking of mach. & stored snow• Drainage must be away from building & parking areas

Small Animal Buildings/Nursery

• Maternity arns, grain & feed storage, feed processing equipment

• Be able to accommodate large bulk delivery vehicles• Avoid overhead power lines where loaders are operating

kMajor livestock facilities

• Feedlots, livestock & horse barns, manure storage, & pastures

• Furthest from house due to odors & flies• Mngmt of waste important for you &

your neighbors

Off-homestead factors:• Proximity to town, highways and neighbors• Dust & noise from gravel roads

Conclusion:• All considerations to Homestead planning

become a compromise of priorities.• It is always difficult to settle on the

“one”best solution, but a good plan will add value to the real estate, provide functionality and meet most of your goals.

Contact Information• Dave Ollila• SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist• Rapid City Regional Center• 1530 Samco Road• Rapid City, SD 57702• 605-394-0224• David.Ollila@sdstate.edu