Do you have any tips for starting a small farm?

Question

I'm interested in starting a small (under 10 acres) farm in the future. We're interested in dairy goats, alpacas, and growing produce. What are some of the best resources to learn the farming trade?

Answer 1

A wise old farmer once told me that farming is this:  You gather together all of your money, buy a farm, and farm it until your money is all used up.  Establishing a small farm, especially one that has a chance of supporting itself, is a very difficult process.  I suggest search out the best recommendations, hire a crop consultant to at least help you plan the initial phases, and maybe try selling your initial produce at a local farmers' market.

I would not suggest goats and alpacas.  It doesn't take many of them to eat your grass into the ground, then they will go for the tree bark.  On 10 acres, you are very limited.  For sure you couldn't do the animals and commercial produce on 10 acres.  You could try a couple animals and a garden plot big enough for your immediate family and enough to give away to some family or friends.  Whatever you do, limit your grazing to the carrying capacity of the acreage you allot to grazing.  Otherwise, no kidding, you will have bare ground and a community eyesore.

Answer 2

farming for dummies...when i started a farm...oh boy it got off the ground...watermelons and alpacas...they just don't mix...

Answer 3

start by cultivating yur land.Second, the land you own must have a good grille provisions..so that anyone illegal will not get in.

Answer 4

Contact your local county extension office. They should be able to provide you with some information.

Answer 5

if you are in the US contact your local Farm service Office (USDA) you maybe elligible for government funding -- while you are there - ask about NAP on yor crops - if not available under NAP  also ask for the name of a" local crop insurance agent" (to see if your crops are insured in your county - if you or your spouse have not farmed those specific crops in that county less than 3 years tell the agent you are a "new Producer"  



written agreements - buy up policy only - if a crop is not insured in your county - it may be insured under a written agreement (asking RMA for coverage) if said crop is insurable in another County in any state

insurable crops in Erie Co PA - corn, soybeans, barley, apples, grapes, peach tomatoes, sweet corn, oats , wheat, hay and potatoes

other states have sugar beets, rice, tobacco, cotton sunflowers, oranges, banana grapefuit, stone fruit, rye and onions just to name a few (there is no coverage for spelts)

FSA NAP = weather related disestears

crop Insurance = named perils on the policy

a couple links to FSA

click on you state and than click on your county to find your local FSA office

http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/...

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=...

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s....

Answer 6

it depends where you are. if you're in the south i'd say you want 2 look into how hot and humid it gets where you are. you also want 2 see what grows best in your area. my parents have been growing on a 35 acre farm in south carolina for years and the only thing they dont like is the summer. it gets hot and humid and never rains. so just keep that all in mind when you choose a place 2 start farming.

Answer 7

Your best source of information is your cooperative extension service.  Your county extension agent will supply with on any project you have in mind.  They are backed by the Land Grant University in your State.  If you are just wanting to supply your family with a fresh food supply, your plan looks great.  If you are looking to maximize the income from your small acreage you should specialize in one thing.  For example 10 acres would provide you a good income if you grew mushrooms.  Or 10 acres planted in Christmas trees would be a good money maker.  Again the extension service could help you out here.

Answer 8

There's many online resources. yahoogroups.com has several free sites - groups like countryside-elist, rarelivestock and others have experienced people on it. And it's free!

I'd also recommend reading everything you can get your hands on. Countryside magazine, Dairy Goat Journal, Acres USA are just a few. Some things you have to experience and DO but having a foundation of basic knowledge helps a lot. Go to shows and talk to breeders during the 'down' time.

Go to farm websites like agriculture.com progressivefarmer.com  and like sites - the former has a talk board where you can ask questions from those farming. Some can be a little abrupt but if you go in with the right attitude most will be helpful as possible.

www.geocities.com/write_nowbiz

www.countrysidemag.com

www.adga.org

There's many ways to get information and if you'd like I can recommend some books too. Get information and familiar with 'normal' then be prepared for your own animals to test your knowledge and show you how much you still have to learn.

You don't say where you are or where you're looking but when buying land make sure you have water rights and mineral rights - either can render your property worthless. The right land and area is important. I don't know if you're looking at doing a goat dairy or just keeping a few...

Answer 9

u will need an atv with a trailer

Answer 10

Yes, inherit one from a rich relative.  Good luck !