How and where should i start a farm?

Question

I am female, i have no eperience in farming and i dont know anyone that does. I want to have a farm somewhere really pretty and i want to grow fruit, vegetables, and organic things. I don't know how to get started and I would really like to know where the best place to farm would be and where i can buy land.

Answer 1

Personally I'd suggest you come to New Zealand, because its just so much prettier  :)

I agree with the person that said you should spend a season working in the field (no pun intended) that you think you might like try.  

Many people around where I live buy a life-style block because they think it sounds idyllic.  On average they are moving out two years later because there is a lot more work to it than they anticipated.

However, if life is about lifestyle and not material things for you, then you will love it.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

My friend Mary Ruth (I have not spoken to in years) got an "Agricultural Engineering" (4 year) degree, but Eddie Albert (Green Acres . . . TV sitcom) started out as a lawyer . . . married to somebody rich.

Where:  Seems like most farms use lots of (im)migrant labor.  In the old days I think the community would pitch in to help harvest, etc.  You may wish to locate where you can get lots of inexpensive labor, especially if your crop(s) are not machine-friendly.

Answer 3

I strongly suggest you get a job on the kind of farm you want to own/run some day. Farming is extremely hard work with long hours and low pay. A lot of people have romantic notions about farming that a few weeks of 18 hour days 7 days a week will destroy.

It will cost you around $300K to $500k to set up an organic produce farm that is 10 acres as you will need buildings, equipment for farming, equipment for post harvest handling such as refrigeration and equipment for marketing.

you will have to learn not just how to grow many different kind of crops but also how to market those crops. never assume just because you grew the loveliest produce in the universe anyone is going to buy it without aggressive marketing.

You will not be able to take much time off except in the winter. You will not make much net income for the first 15 years or so.

To find a farm get a hold of your area's organic association. In Ohio it is http://www.oeffa.org. They have a listing of farms needing interns/apprentices. They also have links to other such organizations. http://www.localharvest.org has a forum where you can post your desires for farm work.

The book recomendations are good one's, especially Elliot Coleman. Salatin has farm field days several times a year at his farm so you can see first hand how he does things. they cost around $450 per person for two days.

Also check out http://www.growingformarket.com. They have a lot of information about market farming. I would advise you get a subscription to their newsletter. I have been a subscriber for 13 years and find value in every issue

Answer 4

As I'm sure you're aware, farming is a serious job that requires a lot of money to get started. And even after you've poured all your money and hard labor into it, there's no guarantee one storm or drought won't wipe it all in one fell swoop.

But if you have the money and the time, and if you're really serious, I suggest you contact A&M University in Texas. They have some of the top agriculturists in the country.  Explain that you need to speak to a professor whose expertise is in small, independent farms.

That professor can, in turn, put you in contact with agriculturalists who know the best places to farm, what to grow, what plants are in great demand right now, etc. You'll need to know all about the market during this recession.

Good luck! I hope you succeed, because I hate how corporations have taken over the farming industry, making independent farmers a dying breed.

Answer 5

OK, before you start buying land, let me suggest a few books:

"You Can Farm" by Joel Salatin

and any book by Eliot Coleman

Just as a start.

It's not about buying land, it's about learning to grow things. In these books, they will show you that you can start farming in your backyard, or you can lease land, or you can ask your neighbors if you can grow things on their land. STOP focusing on the pretty farmhouse, and start putting your efforts in to making things grow. If you spend all your money on land, you'll have nothing left to get your venture started, and there is nothing wrong with starting small. Buying a  big piece of property and having all your crops fail is just going to break you. Start small, and learn how to grow things first.

Answer 6

Most states have at least one really decent agricultural school. You should consider taking a few classes, day or night, and look for someone really special to enter into a life of farming with (or even a long term business venture). You will get knowledge, companionship, and find yourself headed there by the sheer will of desire. All the answers will come when you take a step that direction and you will find the "where".  Magic happens when you go to school to learn and find yourself with those who have the same desire. You can meet people and really see their inner selves (intelligence, sense, and sensitivity) and nothing is better than a sole mate or a quality friend to work natures wonders along side.

Answer 7

You don't mention is your intent is produce for PERSONAL use or commercial sale...

The other folks give sound advice... take a class, hire on at a farm, and do RESEARCH !!

I spend 6 months a year on my brother's 20 acre goat-ranch... GOD what a lot of work !! The day gets burned up feeding the animals (40 goats, 30 chickens, 3 horses, 3 dogs, 2 cats...) tending the garden, clearing brush, mending fences, sawing downed trees, splitting firewood, turning the compost & manure piles, and all the other chores that go with a HOME.  I spend my OTHER 6 months a year on MY 15 acre farm in the Philippines where we raise chickens and pigs commercially, and a home-garden.

The OTHER thing to think about are the TOOLS and supplies you'll need !! We've got tractors, mowers, trailers, chainsaws, log-splitters, wood-chippers, discers, scrapers, augers...

I WISH YOU LUCK THOUGH !!!

Answer 8

If you're just starting out, look for a farmer who needs an apprentice or a farm hand.  Spend a season working on an established farm and learn from your experience there.  Working with established farmers can help you avoid a lot of costly mistakes, like buying the wrong land for what you want to grow.  Good luck!

Answer 9

I suggest that you start by growing a garden first. You don't need a farm to grow fruit, vegetables and organic things. Learn the basics by growing a garden, then when you have accomplished that, look into someplace larger.

Answer 10

It is very difficult to start a farm from nothing, because you will have to make some big investments.  Since you don't have any experience, it will take a lot of messing up before you can get things right.  You're best bet is to work for someone in the field you are looking in to for a few years, and then when you have a farm strategy try it on your own.  This way you can also save money to make the neccessary purchases.  Fruit will grow best in the southern states, but you will do equally well with all of your mentioned interests somewhere in the midwest.  With vegetables, you will probably be better off there because the ground freezing in the winter helps them out.

Answer 11

Go here http://www.cias.wisc.edu/archives/2001/1...

Please vote madam,If u Give more you'll get more

Answer 12

As a dreamer of owning a farm myself I have done heaps of research. But to answer your question find a property where the grass looks rich and green.  buy some established young trees either from a nursery or on eBay. join life style sites and talk to others who share your interests, like gardeners, hobby farmers. The more you read the better prepared you are, plus you can do many courses on line now.

Answer 13

well i can tell u how and what part of land to farm on but i cant tell u were to buy the land instant message me and i can be more pasific