How to Start a Small Farm | A Step-by-Step Guide

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 746

  • @ColettesGarden
    @ColettesGarden Год назад +753

    Great advice! We are in our second year on our own land. First year was tree planting, chickens, bees and soil building. I suggest how important relationships with local farmers has been. Know your neighbors (ranchers and farmers), the farm store staff, 4H, etc. We bought our land from mid-80 year olds. They have lovingly answered our questions and cheer our efforts. We planted flowers along the road, its both beautiful and welcoming. I have never been so tired or as happy as we are now.

    • @ColettesGarden
      @ColettesGarden Год назад +20

      @RC-fi4ix We lived in a camper for 7 months while we looked. We saw lots of junk homes and exhausted land. This was grass feed beef land, so we had to build lots of compost for improvement. Don't give up. I suggest soil and well water testing. About 500$ for both.

    • @stayinggolden2665
      @stayinggolden2665 Год назад +14

      I feel you about the tired comment. We bought our land in 2017 but moved out just last spring. We built our own farm house and just went for it on everything else. This year we're expanding and still building. So tired, lol. But we've been eating so much of our own food already, and seeing the prices creep higher and higher am I content that we can do so.

    • @SurvivenTerry
      @SurvivenTerry Год назад +4

      I'm allmost there and I have been to farmer markets and they are great.

    • @calmrelaxingbeachsounds9800
      @calmrelaxingbeachsounds9800 Год назад

      Sounds a silly question but do you save money having a farm your own crops animals I’m talking about living on a farm not just selling from a farm.? Does that make sense to you? At all? What I mean to say is do you prefer the life you live now on your body’s and wallet? I think we should push health eating and growing and handling our own foods we have more control of what we eat that way ? I’m not great at typing when half asleep just have to ask before I fall asleep again ? I’m very interested

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад

      Great, I'm also building a farm like you and hope to learn

  • @FrankBott
    @FrankBott Год назад +56

    two years ago bought 62 acres. last two years have spent building the structure for a organic farm. The farm is very remote and water collection was key along with shelter. My first crops get planted in the spring .. which is exciting. I say all of this because it takes a boat load of work and money just to get to the point of planting crops. I could have done it faster but wanted to avoid large debt. I have learned a lot about the land, weather, soil and the Dept of Ag to name a few things. Thanks to your channel and many others for your sharing knowledge.

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад +1

      Great, I'm also building a farm like you and hope to learn

    • @travis_2234
      @travis_2234 5 месяцев назад +2

      Good Luck to you

  • @TheTrock121
    @TheTrock121 Год назад +339

    Your vids are among the best! We've been gardening for 35 years, and couldn't imagine trying to do it professionally but want to be able to ramp up production in SHTF scenario. Somewhat offtopic, but growing up I knew an older couple that never had kids but took in a local kid that had a terrible home situation to help out on their dairy farm and live in their barn. Many years later he was able to buy his own farm and when the husband had passed away he took in the wife and cared for her until the end. Farms produce a lot more than vegetables.

    • @mimi27513
      @mimi27513 Год назад +16

      That is a great story.

    • @TRINITY-ks6nw
      @TRINITY-ks6nw Год назад +7

      Awesome

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад +2

      Great, I'm also building a farm like you and hope to learn

    • @TheTrock121
      @TheTrock121 7 месяцев назад +2

      @@lybaohan88farmlife Great! It sure is easier w/ the information available on RUclips. Try to find a master gardener in the same growing region as your farm.

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад

      @@TheTrock121 Thank you for your support

  • @TheRealHonestInquiry
    @TheRealHonestInquiry Год назад +230

    Regarding #1, I'm helping out a first time farmer and what she did was really smart... she bought 20 acres and leased out 19 to other farmers. So she literally has nothing planted yet and is already making a return on her investment. Now she can focus on seeing what's possible with 1 acre, and expand as she feels comfortable.

    • @ThePainter112
      @ThePainter112 10 месяцев назад +6

      wow thats briliiant haha!

    • @suraj2234ify
      @suraj2234ify 9 месяцев назад +7

      That's great. Im also thinking of starting farming dont have any clue where and how to start

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад

      Great, I'm also building a farm like you and hope to learn

    • @julian-p
      @julian-p 7 месяцев назад +2

      where i lived, it was a common practice. usually the harvest were divided, like 70% for the farmer, 30% for the land owner.
      it's good for the land owner as he/she can learn the trade watching the current farmer (which most were veteran farmers) doing, so when their "contract" expires, the land owner can continue by himself/herself.

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад +3

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming

  • @josee.cisnerosjr.7706
    @josee.cisnerosjr.7706 Год назад +38

    "Growing mushrooms, legal ones!"
    Lol. Love this channel.

  • @mysticmeadow9116
    @mysticmeadow9116 Год назад +23

    That was like, a whole college course in less than 18 minutes! I saved this because I need a notepad and pencil and I'm taking notes when I watch it again, and yet again. Other vids don't come near what you covered in this. THANK YOU!

  • @Fireplace4K12Hours-qf4be
    @Fireplace4K12Hours-qf4be 6 месяцев назад +20

    Here's to a future overflowing with success, wellness, affection, and pure bliss. May each moment be a testament to your resilience and the beauty of your spirit.

  • @zachwak
    @zachwak Год назад +29

    "On average, off-farm income contributed 82 percent of total income, or $101,638, for all family farms in 2019" - USDA ERS. Off farm income is 100% normal and im glad you point this out!

    • @notillgrowers
      @notillgrowers  Год назад +4

      Indeed! And "Cash crops" used to be the crops people would grow on their land that brought them a little extra cash aside from their regular job or their contract growing (Tobacco was the big one here in KY).

    • @lybaohan88farmlife
      @lybaohan88farmlife 7 месяцев назад

      Great, I'm also building a farm like you and hope to learn

  • @paavolaprincess
    @paavolaprincess Год назад +103

    I’m a stay at home mom with two toddlers, we’re building our farm business with the hopes of my husband leaving his off farm job in the next couple of years! It definitely takes the pressure off and has allowed us to build tons of infrastructure and build a market base

  • @jesusforlife.5072
    @jesusforlife.5072 Год назад +8

    I haven't started watching this video and two ads pop up already,..am happy they did and am not going to skip them.. because now I feel like am paying a bit of school fees for the knowledge am going to learn through this video. 🙏🏽

  • @PeacefulFarm-Aidan
    @PeacefulFarm-Aidan Месяц назад +1

    Those tomatoes at 11:08 are so vibrant and fresh! Incredible gardening skills!

  • @Tiffanys-Dad
    @Tiffanys-Dad Месяц назад +1

    I like how well organized this video is.

  • @townrurallife
    @townrurallife Месяц назад +1

    I'm really impressed with how you explain things! Practical tips like these are truly helpful for beginners.

  • @HungTrieuFarm86
    @HungTrieuFarm86 29 дней назад +1

    Your channel has given me more confidence in clean farming

  • @lisamcdonald1415
    @lisamcdonald1415 Год назад +132

    Love that you spoke about off farm income. We had no choice but to seek a full time to job to pay for the family expenses. The farm income goes right back to the farm investing in its growth and tools needed to make the job a little easier. One thing I would say though is working a full time job now gets me behind on the farm. It’s a tough battle some days are better then others mentally, but we love our new farm journey and hope one day it pays for everything

    • @nicholasgallanis7539
      @nicholasgallanis7539 Год назад +25

      I went this route too & it paid off in the end. It was a slow growth but having the infrastructure without debt is so freeing. Went down to PT two years ago & I'm on track to quitting my off farm work this fall/winter.
      It can be difficult at times but if you are determined enough you will find a way to make it happen!

    • @scottbaruth9041
      @scottbaruth9041 Год назад +18

      ​@nicholasgallanis7539 Absolutely! Be aiming for a great retirement job if nothing else. Lots of market garden people like me 65 and older just love it! I always told my friends if you ever catch me on the couch watching Dr Phill on tv please just shoot me.

    • @Growinggroceriesnc
      @Growinggroceriesnc Год назад +6

      Please stay encouraged

    • @notillgrowers
      @notillgrowers  Год назад +15

      It can definitely take time to find the balance--just constantly be thinking of how to make the farming easier, more efficient.

    • @NEG325
      @NEG325 Год назад

      This was an exciting part of the video. I would like to hear more about which off-farm jobs mesh well with farming. A lot of full-time jobs cannot be done on a part-time basis. And a lot of part-time jobs do not pay well or provide stability.

  • @bwandonmelon6333
    @bwandonmelon6333 Месяц назад +1

    Bought a 20 acre wetland back in 2001 for an undercut of 14k because farmers around here couldn't utilize it. Now we are our second term of contract with the government running a wetland project for wildlife refuge first year was 10k for 5 years almost paid the property and then they recently reset us for a 10 year contact for 32.5k property house and homestead gear is paying itself off and I just started gardening now that we have our foot in the new house. This year was to see what grew well out here and it's been the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Love your content and the community u guys rock!

  • @emilioarambulo6975
    @emilioarambulo6975 2 месяца назад +1

    Very practical thank you. Been feeling lost on my family’s land and this has put things into perspective

  • @rebekkahmartin9426
    @rebekkahmartin9426 Год назад +21

    I grew up on a 150 acre working farm.....15 years of experience, and that was not enough.
    My family now lives on 1/4 acre and we're successfully raising fruit, veggies and herbs....but we are still learning.

    • @Betzy-b9u
      @Betzy-b9u Месяц назад

      Algún consejo para las siembra de frutas .

  • @FarmMasterTips
    @FarmMasterTips Месяц назад +1

    This is an excellent step-by-step guide for anyone looking to start a small farm! The tips are practical and easy to follow, especially for beginners. I appreciate the clear explanations and the encouragement throughout the video. Thanks for sharing such valuable knowledge!

  • @TNTFarmLife
    @TNTFarmLife 2 месяца назад +1

    The tools you use at 2:26 really make a difference in the process. Thanks for sharing!

  • @DorenKai
    @DorenKai Месяц назад +2

    This story is amazing I recently just gave up on farm business and I sold my farm lands and put the money into stock investments which I made $800k this year alone better than going to through the hectic stress of farm business

    • @FelixTurner-k2y
      @FelixTurner-k2y Месяц назад

      that is very good to know, i myself have been investing in stocks for over 2 years now and i have been able to grow my $100k portfolio to $700k portfolio within 7 months through the help of a financial coach

    • @Stock_ethus
      @Stock_ethus Месяц назад

      that is very good to know, i myself have been investing in stocks for over 2 years now and i have been able to grow my $100k portfolio to $700k portfolio within 7 months through the help of a financial coach

  • @EcoGrowFarms
    @EcoGrowFarms Месяц назад +1

    Loved how you broke everything down into easy-to-follow steps, Especially at 2:15 🥕💚

  • @CountryLivingFarm
    @CountryLivingFarm Месяц назад +1

    I always learn something new from your videos! Thanks for sharing such helpful farming tips.

  • @greenacreslife1
    @greenacreslife1 2 месяца назад +1

    Amazing content! You’ve broken down the process in such a practical way. I feel much more confident about starting my farm after watching this. 😍

  • @AdorablePets-k3r
    @AdorablePets-k3r 2 месяца назад +1

    "I absolutely love the energy at [1:30]! You made this topic so engaging and fun to watch!"

  • @FarmFreshLife-g4m
    @FarmFreshLife-g4m 2 месяца назад +1

    This farming tutorial is so helpful and practical! I learned many effective techniques at 13:16 for planting and taking care of crops from you. I’ll definitely apply them right away. I hope you release more videos on other agricultural skills. I’ll be following your channel regularly to learn more

  • @FarmLifeSimplified-k2w
    @FarmLifeSimplified-k2w 2 месяца назад +2

    Your way of presenting and leading the videos is very engaging, making it easy for viewers to follow along and stay interested in each topic.

  • @buffyreisinger3279
    @buffyreisinger3279 Год назад +7

    Totally love that you budgeted for the "swear jar-$1.00 per expletive". That's hilarious!!

  • @georgeburton7467
    @georgeburton7467 15 дней назад

    The tips and techniques shared on this channel help me optimize my own gardening efforts.

  • @DuongThai-y6t
    @DuongThai-y6t 10 месяцев назад +3

    This video is a game-changer! I've never seen anything like it before, and I'm blown away by the host's creativity and expertise.

  • @FarmFreshDiaries
    @FarmFreshDiaries 2 месяца назад +2

    Such a well-done video! 🌾 I always learn so much from you! 🌿📚

  • @longtablebringelly
    @longtablebringelly Год назад +43

    i really deeply appreciate the thoughtful approach that you take in making these videos and the amount of care and experience that goes into the advice that you give. it's really helpful, especially the advice about going and working (or volunteering if you have to) on some other farms for a substantial period of time before trying to start your own farm business
    i am currently working towards the dream of making most of my living growing food. ive bought some land (a very long way from kentucky in the central tablelands of NSW, australia!) with some help from my parents and am slowly saving up for infrastructure and equipment, doing research into the local farmers markets and food scene, meeting neighoburs and other local farmers etc. i have been struggling for nearly 3 years with my enthusiasm for setting up the farm on the one hand, but the need to work off-farm to be able to service the mortgage, eat, and save up for tools etc. your advice about not being ashamed of relying on other income has just flipped a switch in my brain, i have realised that it doesn't need to be an all or nothing thing and i can continue to work part time at my landscaping job while the market garden gets up and running. this seems really obvious now but it was not obvious to me ten minutes ago. thankyou jesse! ive also bought a couple of hats and the book to say thank you, these videos almost never fail to give me something really excellent to think about. cheers mate

    • @robertcotrell9810
      @robertcotrell9810 Год назад +2

      Landscaping offers you a chance to expand your plant knowledge, so it's still a good tangential!

  • @allengainzmma
    @allengainzmma Год назад +24

    I’ve been gardening for about 5 years and always used pots. This year I decided to build my mother in law our dream garden. It came out absolutely beautiful and it makes me so happy knowing the hard work I put in paid off. We now have 2 in ground vegetable/fruit gardens now and a nice flower garden for companion planting. It opened my eyes to how much I truly enjoy gardening and there’s not much I don’t know or haven’t grown already. We had an insane harvest and it’s still going strong for things like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, squash, etc…. It’s really making me question buying land and turning the whole thing into a farm. That would truly be a dream come true to start with my family. If anyone has any tips on starting it would be greatly appreciate.

    • @isistroy2653
      @isistroy2653 Год назад +4

      I had the same ambitions, I LOVE to garden, its so therapeutic. I started working on a small organic farm this summer, while I love the work it certainly dosent bring the same relaxing and manageable work that a home garden does. farming is HARD WORK. Ive learned that I’d enjoy gardening or a very SMALL scale farm.

    • @AlexMadison-sp3yz
      @AlexMadison-sp3yz 7 месяцев назад

      Should we work together ?

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming

  • @Seegsoutdoor
    @Seegsoutdoor Год назад +4

    I am currently fortunate to have a yearly 4 month contract that sends me away from home to earn enough to support ourselves for about 8 months of the year. What I produce in those 4 months I can buy and resell after exporting giving us another few months living expenses covered. That been said my wife and I are embarking on an adventure of starting a small 10000sq foot “farm” in South Africa on land we own that is paid for. We begin in December and I am soaking up all the info these videos provide. Thank you for the great content.

  • @jasonhatfield4747
    @jasonhatfield4747 Год назад +18

    Number 1 advice for starting a vegetable farm…Dont get animals (except maybe a few chickens). I wanted to be a market gardener, but I have pigs and I’m slowly getting sucked into becoming a pig farmer. No time for the garden 😢

    • @notillgrowers
      @notillgrowers  Год назад +1

      I do agree that only get animals if you have a solid plan and enterprise budget for them. Otherwise, they are money pits (and sometimes garden pests).

  • @DuongGarden
    @DuongGarden 9 месяцев назад +1

    Anyone who likes growing plants certainly wants to have a small farm to satisfy their passion, but not everyone can buy that piece of land right away, it is a long process and no effort. never stop, is useless. I hope that one day soon all my dreams will come true. Thank you for your video. After watching it, I'm even more motivated to work. A great farm is waiting, come on.

  • @jvin248
    @jvin248 Год назад +60

    First step must be identifying Sales. What is the local market interested in buying at the retail level and can you fill that niche successfully? Do you enjoy selling? Can you work at a farmer's market part-time for someone else (not one who will be a competitor)? Can you buy wholesale (say u-pick tomatoes or strawberries) and sell retail to test the market (and you)? Can you beat the national corporate grocery store at their retail business? That is who you are ultimately up against. Nothing else works if you cannot sell whatever it is you want to farm. ... Practice commercial-level farming before you get a place; saving cardboard boxes and buying bags of compost work (if not contaminated with produce-destroying chemicals) for a small home gardener but what are you going to do with five or ten acres? Practice in that backyard garden growing cover crops to have compost-in-place. ... Raise your own plant starts and not buy packs from the nursery (conserve cash). .... Get garage sale garden tools not new-off-the-rack, same with machinery. Don't buy/lease a tractor but rescue a fence-row abandoned tractor (or locate a running refurbished tractor). You can buy an old tractor off Craigslist outright for that same cash that would just be a down-payment on a new tractor (that still breaks down!) and avoid years of monthly loan payments you may or may not really have cash flow some months. Upgrade features on the tractor every season (like all new wiring, newer tires, etc) to make it more reliable. Sometimes it's better to have two antique tractors to save time dedicating each to a certain job but keep them similar to each other as backups in case one is down for repairs (which is not an option with a single new but broken tractor). ... And if you are married, make sure your spouse either understands you are out there all the time working on the farming startup or they are out there with you too and that is what they want, including a lack of cash in that conversation -- no money, no time, loan payments, and tired can make for huge family friction. ... people don't understand that farming is brutally hard both physically and mentally. Be realistic about the fantasy.

    • @notillgrowers
      @notillgrowers  Год назад +15

      Great advice in there. I especially think the part about communicating with your spouse about this endeavor. 💯

    • @mysticmeadow9116
      @mysticmeadow9116 Год назад +1

      Some harsh realities were faced here. Sage advice, I'm sure.

    • @Tiffany-Rose
      @Tiffany-Rose 3 месяца назад +2

      And also know farms can be any size. You can literally just grow one thing really well and most likely people will buy it. It doesn't have to be a giant, complicated, super business. If you can live comfortably, pay your bills and you're happy that's all that matters 👍

  • @EatwellFarm
    @EatwellFarm Год назад +5

    I always wanted to start a farm but didn't got much guts to start, After going through your videos I found it's more simpler than I think.
    Happy Farming 😊

  • @scottbaruth9041
    @scottbaruth9041 Год назад +2

    Listen to the growers, utube, podcasts, and library. Mimic what they do, plant the varieties that they like, and go from there. For instance, I need to go harvest my lettuce right now before 8 am. I'll let you guess where and who I learned that tip from.

  • @manolopapas
    @manolopapas Год назад +5

    The guy with a great sense of humor. There is another carrier opportunity here, that of an actor, perhaps in comedy...

  • @AmourEtLiberte888
    @AmourEtLiberte888 Год назад +6

    Hello,
    I am 1 self homesteader trying to survive in the woods of Ontario Canada ..well trying to be :) Your videos are very helpful and appreciated. thank you!

  • @SteveFelt67
    @SteveFelt67 4 дня назад

    Great video, I have been helping hobby farmers and small business farmers finance their businesses for 20+ years. I can’t tell you how many people have called me with zero knowledge or experience in farming and expected a no money down loan because some folks on this site push that nonsense

  • @GALanham-b2l
    @GALanham-b2l Год назад +31

    As expected another rather concise video that was also put into great perspective. Our garden area is only about 7,000 square feet. It is our hobby and we produce enough for ourselves and to share as well. We plan on doing some slight expanding via companion planting. Getting more serious about no till farming and other things. We have no desire and ever operating a REAL farm. However we do have a great stress reliever that gives us produce and peace of mind!

    • @janeweston826
      @janeweston826 Год назад +2

      Having a vegetable/fruit stand at your home could be something to consider.

    • @GALanham-b2l
      @GALanham-b2l Год назад +4

      @@janeweston826 A few years ago I started baking different types of breads to take to the local Farmers Market on Saturdays. What was fun suddenly turned into a job. Requests of all kinds and we always sold out completely. Now when we have excess vegetables and eggs and so forth we go to one of the local Food Banks and donate such. Thank You for the suggestion though!

  • @NguoiChiCa
    @NguoiChiCa 20 дней назад

    Hello, your garden is so great, I look forward to learning a little about your vegetable growing skills,

  • @Belgicanosfarm
    @Belgicanosfarm Год назад +1

    My wife and I are starting a farm-to-plate catering business (events). She's Mexican and the chef, I'm Belgian and do the production. In february this year we moved on to rented land. We plan on growing both veg (mainly peppers, tomatoes, herbs) and broiler chickens. My wife and I both have off farm income. I've been trying to switch my office job for a farm job to gain more experience, but it has been challenging to find the right farm where I can learn the necessary skills... We are starting small (75 broilers, 10 x 10m² garden beds and 1 polytunnel) to see how we can manage production and catering in a harmonious way. Your channel has been a great inspiration, thank you!

  • @jeas4980
    @jeas4980 Год назад +10

    This is great advice for any business start... there's one thing that goes up at the top of the list somewhere between DON'T BUY LAND and FAMILY BUDGET FIRST... and as someone who has recently shut down business attempt #3... it's this: KNOW WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE. My family is always going to be my #1 priority and so I find myself obligated in areas that many others don't. My first attempt at a business got sidelined when my father passed away and I found myself as executor of an unfamiliar estate in another state... it took over a year of learning something totally different than I was used to and hit me particularly hard. The business never launched.. I simply didn't have the time or head space. My second attempt was derailed when Pop had a heart attack following Nana's ambulance to the hospital...unforeseen strangeness? Not really when I look back. Be real with yourself and who you are: if you're the one who's going to be taking care of the daily needs of elderly parents, if you're the one who is the caretaker for the disable family member, if you know you're the one on point if home dialysis needs to happen or physical therapy needs a transporter 40 miles 3 days a week, if you're the one that takes over house cleaning and lawn mowing when someone in your circle needs you... have a reliable back up or reconsider all together. Just be honest with yourself about who you are, what others expect from you and your willingness to say "sorry, you're going to have to find someone else to help...I have a business to run." There's a big difference between starting a business in you 50's with kid's in college and parent's in kidney failure... then starting a business in your 20's or 30's with a few rug rats under foot. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE. I'm glad you guys didn't wait to do a few more internships... because you might not have launched your business. You can always learn on the job. Attempt number 3 we were a little "smarter" about. We waited until we could focus on the family without predictable interruptions in our caregiver rolls, including our son's scheduled heart surgery. And then made the biggest mistake right out of the gate... we assumed the local market hadn't changed since our first attempt. It had... tremendously. We knew how to get up and running, we knew how to get the permits and licensing... saved up the capital... then did market testing and sold a whopping $26 worth of product in our first year. It was a waste of nearly $1500... that we could have saved had we did a little market test data research first. It was fairly obvious on our first trip out that there were 9 other well established competitors thinning themselves out while we were opening our doors. 3 of them were trying to sell us their equipment because they were looking for a way out while retaining a slim margin of solvency. We were fortunate that we had not transferred our equipment from our personal asset to a business asset and instead were relying on excess inventory from previous business failures for our market test (clearly not a food based business). Now we wait...for grandchildren.

  • @PhiNguyen-hp5rh
    @PhiNguyen-hp5rh 2 месяца назад +1

    That transition at [1:09] was so smooth, I had to replay it twice!

  • @garden1710
    @garden1710 5 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for the inside Jessie , and appreciate the experience and effort you put into these videos. Thanks mate

  • @poorwotan
    @poorwotan Год назад +4

    This video is a terrific dose of common sense to those that want to start a farm business (different from a personal homestead) - emphasis on the word business. Hence, I would add one thing: know for what your farm is being started. If your guiding thoughts are "to heal the earth" then your business outlook will be different than "I want healthy fruits and vegs while having a $ surplus".
    I graduated from a #1 rated business school back in the late 80's. Throughout my working life, I have - literally - had only 1 chance to apply anything I learned there. Much of business is truly "common sense" which comes easily by not doing rash decisions and just thinking things through. Also, you got to know how to read, write, and do basic math (solving for X is useful). Perhaps the only "college" level useful learning is basic accounting (yes, that dang math part) and some basic marketing.

  • @Kiensgarden-bg9dl
    @Kiensgarden-bg9dl 8 месяцев назад +2

    Your farm is so beautiful. All the plants are very green. Where I live, the land is very poor, causing my plants to grow very slowly. Congratulations on owning a very lush farm.

  • @mustapha-47
    @mustapha-47 5 месяцев назад +1

    They have lovingly answered our questions and cheer our efforts.

  • @fuzzytale
    @fuzzytale Год назад +24

    I'm never going to farm, but I love the glimpse into market farming your videos give, not to mention all of the tips and tricks that work just as well for my little 50'x100' garden. Can't wait for my library to get your book in (they said they're buying it after my request, but it hasn't shown up in the catalog yet).

  • @iniekpe1477
    @iniekpe1477 12 дней назад

    Valuable nuggets here.
    Watching from Nigeria.

  • @peacemasuku7148
    @peacemasuku7148 Месяц назад

    You’re so easy to listen to. This was great information for our home garden 😅

  • @g8Words
    @g8Words Год назад +12

    One point I would add which goes along with getting experience and making a business plan, is do soil testing ASAP. That way you will have an idea of what adjustments need to be made, how long that will take, and how much work/expense will be needed. I have several acres in the Caribbean with beautiful volcanic soil..... which is totally washed out and nutrient poor. (It rains almost every day during the tropical storm season.) Because decomposition happens rapidly in the tropics, that means I will be able to produce compost quickly, but it also means that soil amendments will not last as long and will need to be renewed several times a year instead of just at the beginning of the season.

    • @PIESvcs
      @PIESvcs Год назад

      Are there any opportunities to make and use biochar?

    • @g8Words
      @g8Words Год назад +1

      @@PIESvcs Yes. Cinnamon grows like weeds, and the wood dries out fairly quickly during dry season. Not only that, Elephant grass is taking over and can be mulched to make tons of compost. All it takes is lots of work............. 🥵

  • @pilsplease7561
    @pilsplease7561 Год назад +3

    While I wont be starting a farm, I just grow fresh vegetables year round for friends and family I did find this video interesting. I work in the wine industry and have planted many vineyards as well as worked at many wineries before going into business this year with a friend starting a new winery.

  • @kannmann97
    @kannmann97 Год назад +12

    Loans can be scary for new farmers but it can be a great way to start a farm way quicker. It’s certainly a calculated risk not everyone is ready for, but there are small regional Farm Credit unions that are willing to work with farmers who have 2 years or less experience with very flexible loan opportunities. They also can have good free resources for bookkeeping, financial planning, crop planning etc. For us we started buying the tools we knew we would need while also starting the loan process and funded our farm both ways… it certainly can be stressful in your first years when you are barely making enough to cover interest payments so tread wisely!

  • @jnlankavlog8553
    @jnlankavlog8553 Год назад +3

    Than the other you tube videos your is perfect and clear instructions with guide.Thank you..Im new for your channel..🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰

  • @Naturaldisasterdocumentary
    @Naturaldisasterdocumentary 6 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you so much for the elegant simplicity in your videos.

  • @FarmSmart4.0-n8l
    @FarmSmart4.0-n8l 14 дней назад

    great video, I will try turning my garden into a miniature farm. I think I'll start with carrots and cabbage

  • @oreettroll
    @oreettroll Год назад +13

    Love the Swear Jar line item in the farm budget

    • @mysticmeadow9116
      @mysticmeadow9116 Год назад

      Yes! They must cuss alot as that's some serious $$$ added in. LOL

  • @markmcmeen287
    @markmcmeen287 Год назад +8

    Your videos are always helpful, even to a small home gardener. Thanks for the help and encouragement.

  • @ninemoonplanet
    @ninemoonplanet Год назад +6

    I know of two local growers who are using their back yards plus RUclips to explain growing various crops. It's one way a city dweller can get the start needed to learn tree propagation, plant propagation, and dealing with small pest infestations without breaking the budget.
    Alternatively, a grower further away started out growing vegetables, found the income static, so they re-evaluated, move to cut flowers, vegetables only for family. They're getting ready to hire, have a RUclips channel, and are just about meeting the goals they set. They bought 2 acres, nothing huge, and still have room to expand the flowers to grow.
    Don't be afraid to evaluate, look at the local market, especially the weather patterns.
    I've sold a few perennials, not a lot, but it's still satisfying.

    • @SeeStuDo
      @SeeStuDo Год назад

      I sold some starts the last two years , made all my gardening and lights money back plus some, felt good having some sort of “crop” to sell out of my little Attic Garden. This year the extra starts are going to a community food garden we’re starting at the local library, and gathering that food, and extra from mine and other peoples home gardens and doing a weekly Pop Up Produce Pantry. Trying to grow into a small farm, but there definitely are a lot of little local niches and ways to grow your reach.

    • @oldman1111
      @oldman1111 Год назад

      We have a lady near me that makes a killing on just over 2 acres of flowers. She's really nice but also feisty.

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming or who i can work with

  • @sunriseeyes0
    @sunriseeyes0 Год назад +12

    Thank you so much for this video! I’m practicing starting a farm on my grandparents’ acre and it is very challenging for me with a non-related fulltime job. But it is so enjoyable for me whenever I can work on it. I know I definitely need actual experience before starting seriously. Thank you for the reminder, ego-check, and amazing info! 💗🙏🏽

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming or who i can work with

  • @sharpland
    @sharpland Год назад +1

    Very thoughtful feedback. Thanks for nerding out with us.

  • @JonStratford1234
    @JonStratford1234 Год назад +2

    Great video, very helpful. Perhaps the best tip of this video is the Swear Jar. That cash really adds up. A tidy nest egg in just a year.

  • @cleanup6868
    @cleanup6868 2 месяца назад

    Other vids don't come near what you covered in this. THANK YOU!

  • @victorrodriguez1478
    @victorrodriguez1478 Год назад +5

    Now that i subscribed, am i awesome? Lol love your videos! Im starting a farm while working as a pastry chef. Hopefully i can marry the two and make it a truly farm to table job! Thanks for the knowledge and such helpful videos!!

  • @esmysyield2023
    @esmysyield2023 Год назад +8

    A good place to get help is the local high schools. They have programs that they use like FFA and such. The kids need to work for credit towards graduating. They get the experience and you get to help the local kids in their goals. Plus it keeps them occupied instead of them having idle hands all spring and summer.

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад +1

      That's sound good to know ,I liked your comments and it's seems amazing and interesting ,how are you doing today and how is the weather conditions over there

    • @esmysyield2023
      @esmysyield2023 Год назад +1

      @@cassandrafinny my town has been surrounded by the rain unfortunately it hasn't been falling on my place lol. Thanks for asking.

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад

      @@esmysyield2023 it's my pleasure thanks also for giving a response it's cold and a little bit windy over here . I am francis by name and I am from Springfield Missour. Where you from and what name can I call you

    • @esmysyield2023
      @esmysyield2023 Год назад +1

      @@cassandrafinny i am from south east Louisiana. And people call me Allie. Nice to meet you. And yea the weather has been different this year that is for sure.

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад

      @@esmysyield2023 that sound good to know I have never spend a night in Louisiana before ,I wish I could got to Louisiana to have a good time there ,I really like Missouri this been one of the best place I have ever live in my life 😊

  • @erikdietz1073
    @erikdietz1073 Год назад +2

    I have a three acre vegetable farm and I will add that you need quite a bit of money to get started. We built most things ourselves (8' deer fencing, wash/pack shed, walk in coolers, propagation house, high tunnels, etc etc) and yes you save on labor costs but materials are expensive! We have easily spent $80k+ in the last four years getting our farm built up. Is it possible to bootstrap a farm? To a point, yes. But eventually you're going to want to buy an expensive tool or a tractor/BCS or a tunnel (or two) and then you'll just need $10-15k. I know there's a lot of talk nowadays about land being inaccessible for new farmers which is absolutely true. But even if you were able to afford the land, can you afford to build the infrastructure and pay property taxes and insurance and hire employees and pay them a good wage and buy seeds and compost and irrigation equipment? What about when something inevitably breaks and it costs $500 or more to fix? Unfortunately, you're gonna need a decent nest egg and/or an off farm job to get it going. I wasn't able to start a farm on my own until I was in my mid 30's and I'd worked for 15+ years and had some good savings. On a separate note, I agree that having some farming experience prior to starting your farm is best but be aware that working on other farms will not set you up financially to have your own farm. Traditionally, farming doesn't pay that well and if you're one of those poor saps who gets sucked into an "internship" or "apprenticeship" you'll be making even less.

  • @EwanLeask
    @EwanLeask Год назад +5

    I always love how you videos are fairly dry and informatively serious, but then you inject these random jokes, or you change your whole mood and camera persona when the cat visits. Anyways! love your videos! been informative AF in coming up with Ideas for my future inner city food garden!

  • @oldman1111
    @oldman1111 Год назад +2

    I'll be running around as a security analyst for a few more years while we get our farm up and running.

  • @tylerholmes3941
    @tylerholmes3941 Год назад +7

    Thanks for the inside Jessie , and appreciate the experience and effort you put into these videos. Thanks mate

  • @paulbraga4460
    @paulbraga4460 Год назад +2

    the collaboration thing is an eye-opener for me...blessings

  • @thesicklemodernagriculture
    @thesicklemodernagriculture Год назад +1

    such a peaceful life with wonderful arable gardens

  • @bellachiong3390
    @bellachiong3390 Год назад +3

    I'm actually in the process of starting up a flower farm for farmers markets it will be a no till no dig organic farm thanks to your videos and knowledge. I did something a little unorthodox lol :)... Like selling my condo in the city and looking to buy land but the only thing is my condo sold alot faster then expected and land with a tiny home is going 🆙 in price and selling fast because its so popular now "homestead life," lol but seeing this video helped especially when you don't have to buy land first I can start small and work my way up thank you for the tips❤:)

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming or who i can work with

  • @urbangardenbrasov
    @urbangardenbrasov Год назад +2

    Best channel for gardening lovers ! 💪👍👍👍

  • @jamescanjuggle
    @jamescanjuggle Год назад +2

    I'm 23 atm in Ireland been wrecked with thinking how I'll make the next steps into owning a home oneday in our crazy market atm. But i have to say this video helped ground me. Most or all of these steps can be translated into the home buying process and how to supplement it, or at least i was able to make useful comparisons.

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming or who i can work with

  • @Nocare89
    @Nocare89 Год назад +1

    Tons of free budgeting software out there too for those who don't want to use or setup a spreadsheet.
    I pretty much dug a hole, pulled rocks and fertilized the dirt. Getting my hours into the whole gardening thing. I pretty much ignored all of the rules. Especially with compost.
    I planted beans in a seed tray once like 20 years ago.. xD
    I spent most on a fork and shovel. Going well all things considered.
    I quite enjoy the business side of things like this. I may never do it, but I'm just a sponge like that.

  • @craigdyke4240
    @craigdyke4240 Год назад +3

    We have an extra acre of land we've been casually gardening on here in NKY that I keep thinking about turning into more intensive farming. This video was great to watch and as a new subscriber, I'm loving your content!

  • @robertling9872
    @robertling9872 Год назад +6

    Thank you Jess for sharing your knowledge.

  • @bethhubbs9937
    @bethhubbs9937 Год назад

    I come here for the music and for the puns.
    Also, I AM a plant-loving NERD and I heartily acknowledge this.
    Wishing everyone a great growing season, wherever you are. :)

  • @cuznclive2236
    @cuznclive2236 Год назад +10

    Great advice!
    I would recommend talking with a certified public accountant (CPA) before an attorney. A CPA can provide the same legal advice as an attorney, such as which business structure (LLC or S-Corp) works best, and in contract law. They can also help with understanding bookkeeping, tax structure, payroll, etc. The relationship will likely be ongoing; whereas an attorney is usually a one and done relationship. A CPA can also appear in court on your behalf during contract disputes, or when the IRS takes an interest in your practice.
    Thank you!

  • @melaniesmith7496
    @melaniesmith7496 Год назад +6

    i wanted to thank you for your wonderful, informative videos. I live in louisville and have dreams of having a proper garden in the country (I have a garden but only a quarter of an acre of land). I always loved watching your videos and kept thinking, that is the most beautiful farm I've ever seen. When I found out you were so close to home it made me love your channel even more, dad jokes and all. Thanks for all you do!!!

    • @RabiaRabia-nb1zn
      @RabiaRabia-nb1zn Год назад

      😢❤

    • @attamahchima6232
      @attamahchima6232 5 месяцев назад

      please i am a farmer from African looking for land to let for farming or who i can work with

  • @robertromatowski6938
    @robertromatowski6938 Год назад +10

    Liked, and subscribed! Love the straight forward, no BS content!

    • @joefarmer4465
      @joefarmer4465 Год назад +4

      But, there WAS 'BCS' content....lol.

  • @Iam-yv7fq
    @Iam-yv7fq 4 месяца назад

    I love his subtle hunor lol "buy some land... thatll be useful in... farming.

  • @mercyz6252
    @mercyz6252 10 месяцев назад

    Thank you sir! My dream always very costly but I will hold on to this one and ask Heavenly Father first. 🙏🏽

  • @thepeopleplaceandnaturepod8344
    @thepeopleplaceandnaturepod8344 Год назад +2

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep up the fantastic work, and let's all work together to protect our planet! 👏

  • @ialambhasmanner22
    @ialambhasmanner22 Год назад

    I'm a starter gardener.... This video is the most information. Thanks You

  • @AmeliaAnnesAnimals
    @AmeliaAnnesAnimals Год назад +1

    we got our farm on a land contract, cleared the property and just got up our garden fence yesterday.... this is brand new beginning for us thats litteraly taken years to get to this place. we have horses and chickens. just subscribed for more of your great advice!

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад +1

      Nice comment Amelia how are you doing and how is the weather conditions over there

    • @AmeliaAnnesAnimals
      @AmeliaAnnesAnimals Год назад +1

      @francisbennettqq there is a crazy drought here in Michigan and wildfires, similar situationas Canada. i cant even dig holes in the ground its like bricks! hoping i can at least get enough hay for our animals actually. today we got two baby geese which are adorable and we have a litter of kittens, so at least the adorable factor is going well:)
      hows the weather where you are?

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад +1

      @@AmeliaAnnesAnimals wow that sound about good to know it's seem like you are working in a farm or you have work in a farm before ?

    • @AmeliaAnnesAnimals
      @AmeliaAnnesAnimals Год назад +1

      @francisbennettqq i boarded my horses at our extended familys small cattle farm for many years before we bought our place. they had a huge garden and i learned a ton from helping out there. the winters here are very harsh, so that is the most challenging aspect of living in our area.
      Do you own livestock?

    • @cassandrafinny
      @cassandrafinny Год назад

      Wow that really a lovely experience you got there ,I ones had a live stock but that was my Early youth stage but I left California to search for my dream life and it's was nice having a life stock but you know a dream is always a dream ,I had to sacrifice my Dad dream of having a huge live stock before dying to search for mine .

  • @SeeStuDo
    @SeeStuDo Год назад +1

    These are the notes I need right now. It’s like you know exactly what I’m into, weird. ❤😅

  • @kannmann97
    @kannmann97 Год назад +8

    Definitely a +1 on the renting of property! I think it helps keep your work and home life separate too, along with being way cheaper!

    • @notillgrowers
      @notillgrowers  Год назад +2

      Agreed and always appreciate your contributions to the comments--thank you!

    • @dangolfishin
      @dangolfishin Год назад

      Property value goes up though. That can end up being your entire nest egg if you decide to retire

    • @sundanceharvest4069
      @sundanceharvest4069 Год назад

      @@dangolfishin Sure, but you dont need to do that as your first step. I would rather, (what I did) invest in infrastructure to make it a better farm even if I'm leasing such as trailer walk in coolers or BCS so you can produce rather than be stuck with a mortgage off the bat.

    • @dancooper6002
      @dancooper6002 Год назад

      @@sundanceharvest4069 A mortgage is 30 year money at a fixed rate, not a bad deal by most criteria.

    • @OxybroCone
      @OxybroCone Год назад

      The idea is that you would buy a more suitable property that happens to HAVE land i reckon@@sundanceharvest4069

  • @Eco-Friendlyfarm-u4x
    @Eco-Friendlyfarm-u4x Месяц назад

    Thanks for your channel for sharing so much knowledge about plants.[8:01]

  • @brucelee2422
    @brucelee2422 3 месяца назад

    Thanks for the tips 👍 thinking of a small farming start up

  • @calebburwell8843
    @calebburwell8843 6 месяцев назад

    I'm heavily considering getting into homesteading. My hope is to one day be 75% self sufficient and take command of my life instead of only being subject to the whims of a market I can't control.

  • @michaeltretina
    @michaeltretina Год назад +1

    Great information. Some day when we retire i hope to farm for fun. Again thank for your insights.

  • @tufelhunden5795
    @tufelhunden5795 3 месяца назад

    Thank you so much for the great list and things to think about. 👍

  • @jaredjames4059
    @jaredjames4059 Год назад +7

    You make great videos full great advice. Thank you. I'd like to see a video on your strategies for each crop you grow and sell from harvest to market. Growing produce is one thing, but how do you store it so that it looks as fresh as possible for market? Thanks for what you do.

  • @bernardkapi9009
    @bernardkapi9009 Год назад +2

    Magnifique. Merci de m'encourager

  • @sherimatukonis6016
    @sherimatukonis6016 Год назад

    First year on my veggie garden. I have bugs & rodents = no corn or a few other things they stole the seeds of. Those will have to be started inside next year... Live & learn.