More individuals are turning to what hobby farms have to offer. For many, starting a hobby farm, and enjoying rural living, is the American dream. If you’ve wondered how to start a hobby farm, and will enjoy the concept of hobby farming, read on. This is the mini farm, hobby ranch primer for you.
1. What Is Hobby Farming?
So, what is hobby farming? Start the process by knowing what it’s about. Hobby farming is small-scale agriculture. It is not a large operation. That said, it can still be profitable. Even a small hobby farm comes with significant costs. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach hobby farming with a business mindset. Fail to do so, and it can get expensive and lead to un-recouped liabilities. So, know what it’s about before taking the dive.
2. Analyze the Markets
Markets are ever changing. Furthermore, there are many different routes for hobby farmers to take. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, goats, sheep, and a variety of crops can be the focus of a small hobby farm. Of course, horses are popular, too, but rarely turn a profit. Hobby farmers who enjoy raising horses do so in addition to a different money-making venture.
Before deciding what sector of the ag industry to participate in, it’s important to study the markets. Oftentimes, as with all markets, ag sectors move up and down. This can lead to months or even years of certain livestock and crop species performing well or poorly at market. Many things influence the numbers, but are driven by supply and demand, as well as secondary and tertiary influencers. Before choosing a direction, study the current status and future projections for potential options.
3. Identify Your Interests and Goals
Those who succeed usually do so because they enjoy what they do and they’re good at it. Know that current markets and relevant circumstances influence success. However, hobby farmers will do much better via performance and bottom line numbers if it’s something they’re interested in. Because of this, it’s very important to know your interests. It’s equally important to establish goals.
4. Gauge Your Time Availability
Farming requires a significant amount of time and effort. Even small hobby farms demand a lot of man hours. Raising crops and livestock comes with significant responsibility. With animals, lives are in your hands. They are completely reliant on you to feed, water, and otherwise care for their needs. Because of this, it’s vital to gauge your time availability. Don’t overestimate what you can commit to the hobby farm. Doing so will only lead to frustration, as different aspects of your life will be battling for the time that must be devoted to your hobby farm.
5. Learn Your New Craft
Those without agricultural backgrounds likely won’t have all of the knowledge they need to start a hobby farm. Because of this, it’s vital to learn this new craft. Of course, there are basic and universal farming skills that apply to most sectors of the industry. Managing budgets, general tractor (i.e.: John Deere) and implement operation (i.e.: Quick Attach), other equipment use, and more, are common threads through most hobby farming. Drill down on specific sectors, and the more specialized skills that come with each niche. Spend time educating yourself on important areas and skill sets. Read books, use online resources, and even take courses to learn vital information.
6. Talk to the Locals
Whether purchasing a new property, or converting land you already own into a hobby farm, it’s good to talk to the locals. Have conversations with area farmers, big and small. Ask them their opinions on the current state of agriculture markets. See what they have to say about future directions of ag sectors that you’re interested in. Factor their responses into the decision-making equation.
Those who are already successful in farming are doing something right. It is not easy to turn a profit in agriculture, especially for small operations in today’s economic and market climates. If another farmer is doing something right, attempt to replicate their model.
7. Know Property Potential
Every piece of land is different. Each farm comes with different types and levels of potential. Oftentimes, the land itself might dictate what type of agriculture you can viably pursue. Topography, habitat type, soil type, soil quality, and more, impact what you can and can’t do.
Therefore, study the property potential before deciding on the direction of your new hobby farm. Choose a type of farming that is compatible with the property you’re working with. Or, if looking for land, purchase a property that aligns with your goals and expectations for the new hobby farm.
8. Consult with Resources
Because of the importance of the agriculture industry, there are many resources available to farmers of all sorts and sizes. Ag extension offices, Department of Agriculture outposts, local ag businesses, and other resources, can be great sources of information. Even if not consulting in an official manner, they might answer certain questions. Benefit from their expertise in the areas you need to level up in.
9. Check Zoning Laws
Zoning laws can play major roles in what landowners can and can’t do with their property. Ensure no zoning laws will restrict you from the intended use of the farm. Don’t purchase land without checking for potential roadblocks. If the area passes this inspection, move on with additional checks.
10. Research Everything
There are many different elements of purchasing, owning, and operating a hobby farm. Prospective mini ranch owners should research each phase of this lifestyle. Become familiar with each element of it, and find areas of additional learning and improvement.
11. Decide on a Budget
Each mini farm will require an operating budget. Oftentimes, it might take a year, two years, or even longer to turn a profit. Know how much budget you can handle, and how long you can go being in the red, without it becoming an issue. Once you have a budget, and a timeline, then it’s possible to decide on a property, the type of agriculture to focus on, what equipment to purchase, etc.
12. Map the Farm
Knowing your property boundaries is crucial. (Hunterra can help with that.) So is understanding the various property features on the tract of land. These things influence what you can and can’t use the property for, and impact a wide range of elements. Walk the mini ranch, chart the boundaries, mark landmarks (i.e.: hazardous objects, such as sinkholes), and more.
13. Plan for Materials
Most new farms require building projects. At the very least, repairs to older structures are needed. Plan for these property improvements, know material needs, and purchase accordingly. Shop around and find the best deals on materials needed.
14. Lay Out the Infrastructure
Each farm should be optimized for efficiency. This is also true for smaller hobby farms. Therefore, when building new construction, or reassessing existing structures, it’s vital to maximize the design efficiency to get the most from every acre. Lay out the infrastructure in a manner that makes the most sense and optimizes operations.
15. Benefit From Self-Sustainability
Another advantage with hobby farming is an element of self-sustainability. The attractiveness and benefits of self-sustainability can be a major drive for folks getting into a hobby farm. Furthermore, it can produce cost savings. Plus, you can know what is going into your food, such as less use of chemicals and fertilizers. This might even help with food insecurity at home and in the community.
16. Have Fun, Enjoy the Investment
Finally, have fun with your new pastime. Small farming operations can be a lot of fun. Plus, it’s an investment, and you can enjoy the land, and what it makes possible, along the way. With this in mind, understand the intrinsic value of owning a small farming operation. Done wisely, it’s an investment that can pay dividends in dollars and enjoyment.
