Fri. May 3rd, 2024

How to Start a Small Farm as a Beginner

By Elliot 12 months ago

When someone talks about farming, a vast plot of land filled with animals or different crops comes to many people’s minds. Conversely, even those huge farms started as small ones before expanding progressively. Sometimes, not every farmer wants to go large with farming as they wish to operate small farm businesses or grow for their families.

Starting a small farm can be frustrating, especially for beginners who don’t have enough valuable information about it. Thankfully, this tutorial will help entrepreneurs who wish to operate small farms. Above all, establishing solid ties with the agricultural institutions and community around your farm will also grant you access to plenty of resources, information, and support.

If you lie in the latter category, below are strategies to start a small farm successfully.

1. Start Small

The top step of starting a small farm is taking baby steps from the beginning. Again, every large and prosperous farm out there began as an acre of land with few crops and animals and gradually grew to what every farmer dreams of. Therefore, as a farmer wishing to start a small farm, you should be willing to take a few steps, regardless of how petty they might appear.

For instance, if you have never raised chicken, start with a few less complex breeds before extending to highly profitable levels. With that, gradually increase your farm’s size with what you can manage to avoid financial constraints.

2. Get the Land

Farming, whether on a large or small scale, requires a relevant plot of land on which the farmer will conduct all the primary activities, such as planting seedlings or breeding. Therefore, to start a small farm, you should buy or lease a piece of land before choosing your preferred animals or crops. The good thing about a small farm is that it doesn’t require a vast land space.

You can always extend it as the years proceed. Some crucial factors to consider before purchasing or leasing a piece of land for small-scale farming include access to water, soil, soil condition, infrastructure, and availability of potential customers. Upcoming small-scale farmers should critically evaluate and analyze the above factors for effective planning.

3. Purchase the Right Agricultural Equipment

Purchasing the right ag equipment before you get started with small-scale farming is essential. Agricultural equipment increases efficiency by automating some processes conducted manually by humans.

Additionally, they boost productivity while saving plenty of time for farmers to concentrate on other crucial matters such as bookkeeping. Results acquired from modern agricultural equipment are more precise and accurate, hence higher quality, consistency in production, and high customer satisfaction.

4. Choose Your Area of Focus

Farming is a comprehensive sector involving crop growing, livestock keeping, breeding, etc. If you intend to start a small farm, you should identify your preferred area of focus, such as a crop growing, and be specific with what crop you wish to grow. After choosing the crop(s), conduct thorough research to obtain all the relevant details.

Some of the guiding questions during your research should include the following:

  • Best crop performance in the market.
  • Crop adaptability to different climatic seasons and weather conditions.
  • The crop’s possible financial and maintenance requirements.
  • Different timelines regarding the crop.

With the correct information regarding the above questions, you confidently determine if your current preferred crop holds the position even after the research.

5. Acquire Knowledge About Farming

Farming requires adequate knowledge of different terminologies, machinery, and activities like any other field. As an upcoming small-scale farmer, you should acquire adequate knowledge regarding farming while specializing in your preferred branch of the industry.

You can acquire knowledge on farming by reading relevant books, undertaking online or physical classes, following some farming YouTube channels, and studying various blogs or articles on farming.

Above all, you can find an experienced farmer to take you through the practical part before starting your small farm. Be confident to ask all the questions, even those that may appear petty.

6. Get the Finances

Now that you’ve acquired a piece of land and the correct farming information, you can acquire the finances to start your small farm. Your choice of crop, animal, or farming branch and the reasons behind the move should be the leading factors to consider when getting the finances.

For instance, upcoming small-scale farmers seeking to only provide for their families might not require much financing like commercial ones. Some ways of acquiring finances for upcoming small-scale farmers include raising money from family and friends, using their savings, and borrowing a loan from banks and farming institutions.

7. Grow Your Crops or Keep Your Animals

After meeting all the above requirements, you’re ready to grow crops or rear animals. For small-scale commercial farmers, you should be ready to face and fulfill your customers’ expectations with high-quality products, consistent and timely deliveries, and good engagement.

If you’re farming for domestic purposes, you don’t have to worry about the customers but should remain determined to succeed and influence other interested farmers with your work.