Experiments List

The survey provided by the seller, seemed a bit off, so we started this experiment to try and get comfortable with what I am buying and make sure the conveyance deed was accurate. After meeting the original survey crew I decided that we should check things out very closely.

We are documenting two approaches to converting harvested pine timberland into productive pasture: retaining stumps and more harvest residue versus removing debris, smoothing the ground, and creating a more conventional seedbed. We are comparing cost, speed, forage establishment, soil condition, erosion, equipment access, and long-term usability. THIS experiment will be a top level experiment that will include many smaller experiments. This experiment is where we will ultimately track the results of the primary goal of converting forest land to pasture land.

It is a major undertaking to harvest a mature pine forest. Here we will track what went well and what did not and what we would have done differently.

We covered re-seeded ground with clear plastic sheeting to create a temporary microclimate — a mini greenhouse over the seed to improve germination and plant establishment.

Let's repeat the experiment on 10x scale and see how it works in a place we need it.

Can we successfully sow seed over many acres without a tractor and commercial seeder?

Test the effectiveness and cost of using drones in farm operations.

Balancing having a smooth equipment friendly pasture, vs a stumpy pasture with minimal soil destruction as we convert our forest to pasture. We want to understand the short term and long term impact of this decision.

Experiments focused on solving practical problems in the farmhouse, guest house, and other buildings around the farm.

We are converting a one-trip 40-foot high-cube shipping container into 25 feet of climate-controlled storage and a separate 15-foot farm office. The experiment will document the cost, construction process, performance, and practicality of using a container instead of constructing a conventional building.

We are testing whether an inexpensive 10-by-20-foot portable canopy can provide useful covered storage on the farm for at least one year.

We are testing whether a small herd of goats, can be a good addition to our farm early establishment to be used in place of a bushhog in some cases and definitely be used to clear brush and open some areas in around the farm and help fight back some kudzu areas.

Can a small working farm create a profitable premium lodging experience by combining a compact rental unit with privacy, views, outdoor amenities, and access to the land?