Unique Types of Farms You’ve Never Heard Of

When we think of the word “farming” we often think of the traditional farms we either work on or drive past on the highway. However, there are plenty of other types of unique farming that many people don’t understand or have never heard of before. We’re here to talk about some of the most rare yet necessary types of farming and where you can visit these farms around the world.

Dung Coffee Farms

Some of the most expensive coffee in the world is harvested from elephant dung. The elephants eat a natural mixture of rice, bananas, and coffee fruit. The beans go through a fermentation process in the elephant’s stomach, and separated from the pulp that surrounds them. Workers (who are very well-paid) then sort the beans out through the dung, wash and roast them, and then sell them to be used for delicious coffee.

Moose Milking Farms

In Kostroma, a small town about four hours outside Moscow, moose milking farms are a precious commodity. Containing double the amount of buttermilk and essential amino acids than a cow’s milk, the slightly acidic milk has been used in Russia to help with an array illness and disorders for over three decades. When visiting these farms, remember that moose are friendly and semi-domesticated, but are still naturally wild animals, so take caution on your visits.

Silk Farms

Santuk Silk Farm is one of the few places in Cambodia where you can view the entire silk production process. By visiting the roughly 18 female weavers, you will watch the seven-week lifecycle of the silk worms and how the weaving process begins and ends (and even buy a silk scarf for only $20-$30.) If you’re visiting with five or more people, call ahead of your visit and enjoy a home cooked meal while you learn more about silk farming.

Pearl Farms

There are plenty of farms around the world dedicated solely to farming pearls (use this map to plan your next trip) not only for beauty but for sustainability. Beginning early in the 20th century, pearl farming is now a multibillion dollar industry for retail purposes. The whole process of growing the larvae to carefully extracting the pearls takes a number of years which is why pearls are extremely valuable.

Leech Farms

A century ago doctors believed that if you became sick, releasing (or “letting”) your blood would allow your body to produce more clean blood and return your health to balance. Leeches were used on the rich to let their blood, while the poor resorted to cutting veins to let their blood. When this practice was debunked, leeches got a bad reputation. Now, they are making a comeback in Wales for microsurgeries. Leech farms are now increasing in popularity in order to provide doctors with the amount of leeches they will need for all of their minor surgeries.

Pizza Farms

If you’re looking for a great spot to bring children, and fear that leeches or moose might not be the right option, look no further than Midwestern pizza farms. These farms use their own vegetables and animals to cook pizza right on the farm in homemade brick ovens. Visitors enjoy organic pizza while also enjoying a tour of the farm and often local beer or wine with dinner.

Let us know if you’ve ever visited an uncommon farm, and what you thought of your experience! Or, if you’re a farmer, let us know your area of expertise. Here at Crop Insurance Solutions, we’d be happy to get in touch with you to help set you up with the proper insurance solutions for your farm!