You just inherited 400 acres in the location of your choice. The land is ideal for agriculture. You have always been interested in agriculture, so you are excited about this new adventure. Now you need to come up with a plan! Use what you know about the scientific method and scientific processes to make your decisions. Remember, the scientific method includes identifying problems, gathering data, creating a hypothesis, testing and reviewing results. Be sure to go through this process as you make your decisions.

Step 1: Select a Location
Select a location for your new farm. Research the area, including crops you can grow and animals you can raise that are ideal for that area. Consider how the weather and other regional information affects what crops and animals you choose. Don’t forget to consider less-common options such as aquaculture, if that is appropriate for the location you select. Choose at least three different items (for example, two crops and one animal) that you will select for your farm.

Step 2: Develop a Plan
Based on your research, create a 5-year plan (1–2 pages) for how you will grow crops and raise animals. You may organize you plan however you feel best demonstrates your choices.

For crops, include plans for crop rotation if appropriate, fertilizer you will need, growing season, and other important aspects of crop production.
For animals, include plans for feeding, water sources, shelter, and reproduction.
In your plan, consider how your crops and animals can work together to create a sustainable farming solution.

Step 3: Describe Your Process
Create a heading at the end of your plan label “Rationale”. In three to four sentences, describe how you used the scientific method and scientific processes to make your decisions.