People are starting to look more and more at buying locally sourced goods. This opens up opportunities for those of you looking to start a small farm and begin small-scale farming operations. There are many resources to help you get started with a small farm, and here are three tips to set you on the right path.
Help Is Available
You can’t do it all alone. No matter how nice it would be to get everything on a farm done yourself, it just isn’t realistic. Make plans to hire seasonal workers early on, before you need someone to help with planting or harvesting crops. Advertise locally, and consider using options like workers with an h2a work visa for short-term farm labourers.
A Mentor Is Invaluable
Connect with farmers who are in your area and see if one will serve as a mentor and teacher for your new farm. A farmer-mentor will prove to be a valuable resource as you embark on this journey. If you are still in the planning stages, they can help develop or evaluate a business plan and connect with professional organizations. Once you are ready to move forward, they can help with more day-to-day operations, like telling you about potential markets to sell your goods, where to find the best prices on equipment, and who has the highest quality seed.
Things Will Break
Things are going to break on any farm. Fences, equipment, and pretty much anything else you can think of may find itself out of commission at some point during the year. Don’t panic if you find yourself with a broken planter at the height of the spring planting season. Instead, talk to other farmers in your area for advice on mechanics, parts, or fixing it yourself.
Learn As You Go
Don’t worry if this all seems new to you. With the right help, you will learn what you need to know to build and maintain a successful small-scale farm.