Any ranchers or farmers out there?

Question

I'd like to buy a small farm and I would like to hear your story, what you grow or raise, how big is your spread, how long you have farmed or ranched, etc?

Answer 1

After getting out of college (UMASS Amherst, a great agricultural learning experience) I worked a 7 acre spread doing assorted small plots (I had 200 varieties one year) but as my love turned to aquaculture-hydroponic systems I spent most of my time developing a system that incorporated both in closed systems and would eventually rely completely on organic amendments and practices. I was funded for a time to develop a classroom greenhouse to demonstrate the concept of organic closed system aquaculture with hydroponics and it was used for adult evening classes. It was conceived originally for a younger crowd but not all things came to pass. It did put a lot of components together for the first time and some of the products where the best I have ever tasted, especially the strawberries and tomatoes. That was the true difference between chemical hydroponics and organic hydroponics. Also, it was proved that it was more than possible to do and do well without all the expensive organic products and promises that would have made the whole project and subsequent research expensive and valueless as a means of food production for the average person. I spent some more university time with engineering studies to augment my knowledge of facility design, construction, and maintenance. I have been involved for about 8 years with sea farming (shellfish hatchery and it's actual sea beds), now in a somewhat diminished capacity due to health issues. I'm headed back, though, with a vengeance.

Answer 2

I have been farming small acrage for the past 14 years. Currently own a 9 acre farm in Ohio where i raise sustainable produce and pastured poultry for direct sale to the public.

Check out my website

http://www.boulderbeltfarm.com

and my blog

http://boulderbelt.blogspot.com

for all the gory details on how I make my living from this farm

Answer 3

we live on a small 5 acere farm but it is not for sale... we have pigme goats for sail though.

Answer 4

I only have a "mini farm" 5 acres. We're raising chickens and goats to start, I've yet to complete the fencing in the rest of my property. However when it is complete I'll be doing Scotch highlands out there. I am starting this farm because my Grandfather did it and was able to provide for the family, so shall I. In the end I'll have cattle, rabbits, goats, chickens, guini hens, and some geese.

Answer 5

ok just reading all post and noticed that you good people of usa run quite small acreage is that normal im from australia i run 7000 acres of continous cropping wheat,barley and leguems and some sheep but not as present were going through severe drought and water is getting a thing of the past

Answer 6

Good luck finding a piece of farm land, the price for good land for this these days is unbelievable.  How much land you need to buy depends on what you intend to do, raising large livestock will require much more land than if you intend to raise poultry or another small animal.  Our family owns property in southeast Ohio where we raise beef cattle.  To feed them during the winter, it takes a complete summer to get the hay done.  Even with hay, you still need to give them more, you must give them minerals, have water, feed, and medications when needed.  It truly is an everyday job, no matter what the weather.  My family has been doing this every since President Monroe enacted the Settlement Act many years ago.  Since then we have  bought property and made our total 476 acres.  And it takes all of the land to put up the hay we need and let the cattle have a pasture to graze in.  So when you are deciding on how much land to buy, ask yourself what you intend to do with it, and ask some people how much land they think you need.  Because if you own an animal, it is your job to feed and take care of it everyday.

Answer 7

i'm in 4-h,raise holstiens,and live on 11 acres

i've helped farmedand farmed  for about since i was 4

Answer 8

I would like to farm but I got screwed...

Answer 9

Try reading "You Can Farm" by Joel Salatin, or any book by Eliot Coleman.

I live on 5 acres. We raise chickens or meat and eggs, as well as sheep. We also grow  cut flowers and all varieties of fruits and veggies. We will be planting a fruit tree orchard this year, to provide fruit for our sales, as well as shade for our animals in the pasture. Of course, once the trees get tall enough that the sheep won't eat the fruit!

It doesn't take a ton of land to farm. You just have to balance everything. You have to understand soil and how to keep it healthy. You have to understand water rights in your area, to ensure you have access to water when you need it. And you need to learn about what to plant and when. Honeslty, animals are so much fun, and you need to know how to work with them , too.