Essential Equipment for Urban Farming
12/19/2024
Farming can take many forms, from large-scale operations to smaller family farms and hobbies. In recent years, urban farming has seen an uptick in popularity, especially in California, one of the most urbanized states in the nation.
Urban farming is beneficial for several reasons; one is that it allows people who usually wouldn’t be able to start and maintain a farm to do so. From backyard chicken coops to bountiful home gardens on the edge of major metropolitan areas, urban farming is a great way to provide healthy food options for a community and have fun at the same time!
Best of all, cities in California like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco have recently made it easier to start an urban farm, opening the gates to even more interest in a quickly growing source of stable income and healthy food.
So, if you want to set up your urban farm, you’ll need the right equipment. Let’s look at the essential equipment for a successful urban farm.
Urban farms are often set up in small spaces, with an average size of less than an acre but typically no more than nine acres total. That means you have less room to maneuver farm equipment in tight or confined spaces. Because of this, a full-sized tractor won’t do; you need a compact utility tractor to get the job done.
Compact utility tractors, or CUTs, are small tractors with plenty of horsepower despite their smaller frames. John Deere specializes in several CUTs, including its 1 through 4 Series 1 tractors.
The John Deere 3033R is a great 3 Series compact tractor for urban farming. Its robust Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel engine can output up to 32 horsepower, and it has lower exhaust emissions and reduced noise levels, making each job more comfortable and quieter than the competition.
Another great feature of the 3033R is the PowrReverser transmission. The PowrReverser transmission does not require the operator to use the clutch to shift between forward and reverse, making it perfect for easy maneuverability on urban farms.
Although urban farms are typically not as large as traditional farms, you still need a way to quickly get from point A to point B. That’s where John Deere Gators come into play. Gators are utility vehicles that are like miniature trucks but with a smaller size to fit into confined spaces and turn tighter corners.
With their integrated bed, you can also use them to haul farm equipment from one place to another easily. Tools, animal feed, soil, and fertilizer can be thrown in the bed of your Gator to make transportation easier and less tiring.
The Gator XUV M and R series are great for urban farming, especially the John Deere XUV590M. This Gator is John Deere's fastest mid-size crossover utility vehicle with power steering, topping at nearly 50 miles per hour. If you need to switch from 2WD to 4WD to traverse muddy or rough terrain, a simple switch makes it easy. The XUV590M, along with the similar UV560, is equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension, which provides an unparalleled ride over challenging terrain and excellent handling through tight corners. It’s perfect for small spaces created by urban farming.
Tractors are helpful for urban farming operations, but don’t forget about your regular lawn maintenance! John Deere mowers are essential for maintaining grassy areas or managing cover crops. They come in various sizes and types to suit different urban farming needs.
Zero-turn mowers are the pinnacle of precision turning and even mowing. They allow the driver to make quick 90- or 180-degree turns, perfect for fitting into tight areas that need extra attention.
John Deere ZTrak mowers are the best zero-turn mowers available for urban farmers. They are also available as electric-powered models. The Z370R electric ZTrak mower has a 42-inch deck, which is great for handling large or small areas. You can mow up to 2 acres per battery charge, which is the perfect size for smaller urban farm acreage. With zero operating emissions and no engine noise, the electric zero-turn mowers are essential to a California urban farmers’ arsenal.
Belkorp Ag is proud to offer California urban farmers in the Bay Area access to every piece of essential equipment they need to operate smoothly and efficiently. Please come by today to see our selection of John Deere compact utility tractors, Gators, zero-turn electric mowers, and more.