How to Start a Farm
There are several steps to starting your own farm, which is why our team at West Hills Tractor has put together a great list of things to consider as you begin planning for this exciting process. Choosing to live the farm life is hard work, but as a local Jonesborough, TN, dealership, we strive to be the best resource possible for you, no matter where you are in your farming journey.
1. What Type of Farm Should You Start?
Agriculture is an immense industry and you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to having a farm. You should have a general idea of what type of operation you want to run as you start to plan. Will you focus on livestock, row crops, specialty crops, orchards, ornamental plants, beehives, or something else? The opportunities are endless, so knowing exactly what you want to grow and accomplish as a farmer is crucial.
Not only is it important to know what you want to raise or grow, but also who you want to provide it for. Of course, your farm scale will evolve as time goes on, but don’t be afraid to think about the bigger, long-term picture. If you envision a large-scale operation with thousands of acres and a company contract, go for it! On the flip side, if you envision providing for your family and local community, aim for that! There is no right or wrong answer to the size of your farm, it’s solely what you imagine will work best for you.
2. Know Where You Want to Farm
Possibly the most important thing to know about starting an operation is where you want to start it! Whether you want to be near Greenville or Johnson City or maybe somewhere else entirely, location will not only determine if you need to purchase land, a house, a barn, etc., but it will determine if the type of farm you decided on will prosper in that area!
Do some research about the area you’d like to farm in. Take a look at what other farmers are doing, specifically what they are growing. Consult the local extension office and request resources about the area's soil type, weather patterns, growing seasons, and hardiness zone. These factors play a major role in your business plan because it will directly influence what will do well in your operation’s location.
3. Strategize & Budget
Before you race off into the sunset with a tractor and your farm dog, make sure you have a solid financial plan and business strategy. Starting a farming operation from the ground up can be a huge expense and oftentimes very risky. You should review your expected start up costs, such as equipment, inputs, land, property tax, water & utility payments, labor, and fuel.
Once you evaluate your expected expenses, make sure to have a good idea of your market. You absolutely must know where you plan to get your income from after your first harvest. You may not turn a profit in the first several years, so you should prepare for that. Set a hard budget and don’t bend it!
Hopefully this handful of tips has made you think about the best way to start planning for your operation. This is just the beginning of your exciting journey to starting your own farm, and the team at West Hills Tractor is happy to help! Our Jonesborogh, TN, location offers great financing options, as well as farm equipment for sale, and we proudly serve our neighbors in the Greeneville and Johnson City areas!