Hobby farms are becoming increasingly popular as people turn to farming to engage with their communities, improve their health, and lead more sustainable lives.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a farm as a hobby, for self-sufficiency, or as a business, knowing how to start a farm can be overwhelming.
Keep reading for five crucial tips for starting your own farm.
Table of Contents
1. Set Out Reasonable and Clear Goals
Dreaming big is important, but if you want to successfully start a farm, you need to have reasonable and attainable goals. Figure out what you want to farm and why you want to farm. Is it going to a business, a hobby, or for self-sufficiency?
Figuring out what your objectives are will influence the way you set-up your farm.
If you’re considering a farm business, try to identify a consumer need in your area and align your goals with that. If you’re farming for self-sufficiency, consider what you need to live (reasonably).
2. Develop a Thorough Plan
This plan will depend on your goals and objectives discussed above, but it’s important regardless. You may need to develop a business model if you’re farming for profit. Or, you may need to create a thorough farm management model.
You need to develop a plan that takes into consideration your production systems, inputs and outputs, your suppliers, and transportation and storage needs.
3. Get the Right Farming Equipment and Hire Farm Employees
So you’ve figured out what you’re farming, and you have a thorough and careful plan. The next and most important step is to find the right farming equipment and farm employees.
Farming equipment is a crucial investment that you’ll need to make regardless of the type of farm or model you’re following. This requires careful consideration as it is a major purchase you will be making. Find out how you can finance them, and shop around.
You may need a huge workforce or simply a few helping hands. Consider your staffing needs and visit iWorkMarket.com to find temporary and seasonal farmworkers with ease.
4. Research and Talk to Other Farmers
Throughout your farming career, but especially at the beginning, your learning will never stop. It’s important to absorb as much knowledge as possible. Learning new skills, farming techniques, and innovations will contribute to the success of your farm.
Pick up books, search the web, and educate yourself as much as possible. Most importantly, talk to other farmers. Ask many questions and create important relationships.
5. Embrace DIY
This is especially important when starting out, as it will help to cut costs. Think about things that you can do, make, or fix yourself around the farm. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll pick up new and important skills that will come in handy on your farm.
Is Starting a Farm in Your Future?
If starting a farm has been a dream of yours, there’s no better time to get started than right now! Begin slowly, define clear goals and objectives, and create a thorough farm management plan. In no time, you’ll be the owner of a thriving farm.
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