Reddit mentions of Five Acres and Independence: A Handbook for Small Farm Management

Read Five Acres and Independance. Best 8.96 you'll ever spend.

Read this book: Five Acres and Independence.

It gives you all the information you need without unnecessary expenses.

5 acres and Independence is a good place to start. Good read. It talks about farm animals, what crops to plant, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741

I amazed no one has mentioned 5 acres and independence yet.

Edit: Also, check our /r/backyardorchard. Tons of fruit/nut hobbiest info there.

I think you could do it on less than 5, provided that you did not raise meat, or very little. Provided that you lived in a climate the produced most of the year, and ate only veggies and fruit I think it could be done.
http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347587158&sr=8-1&keywords=5+acres+and+independence

It was written 50+ years ago, so a large part of the advice on farming is very low-tech.

That's both informative and kind of a drawback at the same time.

here's a link on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741

Five Acres and Independence: A Handbook for Small Farm Management : http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319032710&sr=8-1

I am currently reading "5 acres and Independence" which I am enjoying, its fairly old but still very applicable, i think his anecdotes and way of thinking are very inspiring. Lots of nice little tips and observations.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486209741/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

At the same time I got "Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them" haven't delved into it too much, but I am less excited about it now that I've thumbed through it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604595868/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've heard the "Raising Chickens for Dummies" book is actually worthwhile, so I'm thinking of picking that up next.

My partner and I are embarking upon a similar journey. My advice is to read a lot, before buying land.

This book has been VERY informative, and remains practical despite its copyright date. Just keep in mind that there may be a more modern methods available, and you'll be in great shape.

As always I recommend referencing multiple sources for all important info, but Five Acres and Independence is an excellent one to start from.

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741

I'm going to second all the book recommendations, especially the encyclopedia of country living. I'd like to add:

https://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499822776&sr=8-1&keywords=5+acres+and+independence

and

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Nearings-Self-Sufficient-Living/dp/0805209700/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499822872&sr=8-1&keywords=the+good+life+nearing

Peace

edit:
totally forgot the most important book I own: https://www.amazon.com/Public-Works-Handbook-Self-Reliant-Construction/dp/082563041X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1499823155&sr=1-1&keywords=public+works
Was a gift from my FIL when we told him what we were planning on doing (moving out to nowhere and living as self-sufficiently as possible).

>http://www.amazon.com/Five-Acres-Independence-Handbook-Management/dp/0486209741