Life moves a little slower in the countryside, next to farms.
It was not until I relocated to upcountry from the city that I felt I could breathe more cold fresh air and stretch my arms without hitting a person.
Those are the benefits, but farm life can be challenging to some.
So, What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living Next To a Farm?
As many as you can imagine. Perhaps the most obvious benefit that could cross your mind is access to a variety of fresh whole foods obtained straight from the fields. Life near agricultural lands is calm compared to what we are accustomed to in cities. Did you know spending more time in the dust and livestock dung can help keep asthma and allergies at bay? More on that later. However, farm life comes with a fair share of challenges that should make you reconsider your plans. For instance, if you are used to city life, farms can be a lonely place to live.
The Pros
1. You Get to Enjoy a Variety of Fresh Whole Foods at Low Prices
Depending on where you live in North America, access to fresh produce may not be much of a hurdle.
Local farmers’ markets and whole foods stores ensure you are supplied with all the fresh produce you need.
However, these establishments are mainly located in towns and cities where you’d either order and wait for delivery or set out for a shopping trip.
Living close to a farm ensures you have access to a variety of fresh produce at incredibly cheap prices whenever you need it.
No refrigeration, no preservatives…food takes minutes from the farm to your plate.
Fresh nutrient-rich farm produce reduces your reliance on processed foods which many health experts and dieticians advise against.
Fresh whole foods are underrated.
Modern urbanized society feeds on more processed foods than fresh whole foods which are healthier than the former.
Fresh whole foods normally offer just one nutrient in great amounts with zero additives.
Their journey from the farm to the plate is very short. Processed foods, on another hand, are energy-dense rather than nutrient-dense.
They are a mix of so many different nutrients, preservatives, dies, and sweeteners all intended to give you lots of calories.
They are commonplace in cities and have very little or no nutritional value to the consumer.
2. Generally, No Asthma, No Allergies
CDC estimates the number of kids living with asthma in the U.S. to be in the region of 6.8 million.
Of those, kids raised on or near farms with plenty of livestock show lower rates of these two.
Scientists reckon it’s due to the dust found in livestock farms.
Exposure to farm dust triggers your immune system, meaning your body becomes familiar with the problematic agents before they even strike.
3. Please Imagine the Cute Farm Animals and The Tranquillity That Comes with Farm Life!
Living near an agricultural land means leading a simple and calm countryside life away from chaotic urban establishments.
It replaces fire/police sirens, horning cars, and traffic with mooing cows, clucking chickens, and the rush of the wind in lush crops.
Lack of bright city lights could also mean you get to enjoy the beauty of the night sky while lying on your back in the grass – isn’t it fun?
Besides the tranquility, it lets you connect with lots of cute animals you would’ve only dreamt of if you weren’t there.
Imagine flocks of ducks or chickens frolicking in the fields. Jumpy calves and kids. Bunnies and grazing sheep.
4. Volunteer in Farms Whenever You Feel Like It
Unless you have your own farm to work on, living near a farm gives you endless opportunities to volunteer in other people’s farms, orchards, and wineries.
You can show up and request to take part in harvesting or animal management for the sheer fun of it.
Farm work is great for your physical fitness.
For instance, a 150 lb. person bailing hay daily for 30 minutes can burn about 277 calories.
Butchering a pig is just as rewarding, helping you burn 170 calories.
5. Open and Spacious Spaces
Please imagine being surrounding by endless farms full of crops and animals.
It is a great sight for those who cherish the spacious living environment offered by rural areas.
If you are not out exploring the expansive lands, you’d be chilling in your large patio or lawn enjoying the fresh countryside breeze.
This means you can throw parties of all sizes in your backyard with minimal restrictions.
6. Can Challenge You To Be A Farmer
Upcountry life near agricultural lands can challenge you to give farming a shot.
If everyone around you is into cattle rearing and milk production or cultivation of a certain crop, you will want to venture into agribusiness as well.
The same applies to where everyone grows their own food. You will be challenged to produce your own food as well and even start an agribusiness.
The Cons
Hold your horse! Here are few things you should think through before settling near a farm:
1. Exposure to Livestock-associated Diseases
A big part of livestock diseases, especially cattle diseases, can cross into humans who come into contact with them, live near them, or consume animal products like milk, hides, and meat.
They are called zoonotic diseases. Anthrax is the worst of all though it has got rare over the years.
Campylobacter, avian influenza, and salmonella can easily cross from animals to humans and wreak havoc in a large geographical area.
2. A Unique Kind of Air Pollution
Few things are as off-putting as the stench from a pigsty.
Half-rotten animal feeds, manure, bedding, skin flakes, and feathers mixed with water and other debris can turn the air around the farm into a living hell.
Basic farm operations such as cleaning and disposal of wastes can also emit gases like ammonia and methane.
3. Farms Are Lonely Places
While crime is usually low in agricultural lands compared to metropolitan areas, neighbors are a bit far apart than you might want them to be.
Furthermore, people in the countryside spend more time working on farms and related activities even on weekends, meaning you have limited opportunities to mingle and make friends.
4. Pesticides That Stays in The Air for Weeks
Forget about bad air for a second, pesticides are probably the most dreadful form of pollution in farms.
Some of the fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides sprayed on crops and animals may linger in the air for weeks.
Some of them may find their way into local water bodies and end up in your tap.
Pesticides are no joke. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may increase the chances of autism in babies, infertility, cancer, miscarriage, brain damage, and immune system issues.
To reduce exposure, you will need to keep your windows and doors closed most of them, especially during spraying hours.
5. Stagnant Property Prices
Properties in agricultural lands don’t appreciate as fast as those in metropolitan areas.
Move to a fast-developing urban region if you want your home to appreciate in a few years.
Conclusion
So what are the pros and cons of living close to a farm?
The most obvious benefit that could cross your mind is access to a variety of fresh whole foods obtained straight from the fields.
Life near agricultural lands is calm compared to what we are accustomed to in cities. If you are used to city life, farms can be lonely you.
