Farming is not for the faint of heart. If you’re new to it, or thinking of getting into it, you’re clearly someone not afraid of a challenge. Sometimes farming is a family business and if that’s your situation, you may have a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw from. However, a survey by the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) shows that the majority of young, new farmers did not grow up in agricultural families. Either way, you’ll succeed only if you prepare well. At Broerman, we’re farmers too and we want other farmer to succeed. So here are some things new farmers should know.
1. The Local Food Movement is Booming
Even if your family has farmed for generations, this trend marks a shift from what they may be used to. The general public has grown more interested in learning the source of their food and the carbon footprint of transporting it. You’re not limited to neighborhood farmer’s markets, either! Big box retailers like Walmart have begun sourcing locally produced foods for their stores. There is also more interest in moving fresh produce into low-income, urban areas where “food deserts” make eating healthfully a challenge. Look for opportunities to ride this trend.
2. Seek Out Those with Experience
As we mentioned above, many young farmers are coming to the business with no family background. People are leaving white collar jobs to work the land. If you fall into this category, seek out mentors. More experienced farmers are often happy to provide guidance. Joe Wepking, owner of Meadowlark Organics and Bickford Organics, echoes this advice in an article for the NYFC. “Get to know the older farmers in your community, and start channeling your inner sponge.”
3. Get Comfortable with Uncertainty
As a farmer, you must plan as carefully as possible. Prepare for the unexpected. But remember, you can only control so much. The weather, wildlife, markets, and other forces can wreck the best laid plans. Farming represents risk, by its nature. Rest assured however, that the best rewards and the highest quality work come from meeting challenges.
4. Treat Social Media as a Resource
Just because you work the land doesn’t mean you shouldn’t connect digitally. Social media provides access to a wide network of like minded individuals, all sharing ideas and advice. Use the technology to advocate for agriculture as well. You might even attract more young farmers to give it a try. Austin Miles, writing for the Noble Research Institute says, “Be mindful of the opportunities you may have to promote agriculture and be confident enough to do so.”
5. Technology Moves Quickly
Speaking of technology, many of the big tech trends taking place–drones, artificial intelligence, gene editing–have applications for farming. New things come along quickly. Not every new gadget will work for you, or fit your budget, but be ready when the right thing comes along. Stay on top of trends by attending conference, subscribing to podcasts, or reading relevant publications.
6. A Business Plan is a Must
You probably embrace farming because you prefer to work with your hands, get dirty, and spend time outside. However, you will spend time sitting in front of a computer, writing. You absolutely must plan your farm like you would any other business, making measured choices about what to grow and how to schedule everything. You will need to evaluate how much staff to hire and what equipment to buy. Consider hiring a bookkeeper and a business lawyer. And, of course, invest in the right insurance to protect your investment.
7. Consider Doing an Apprenticeship
As in many other industries, apprenticeships or internships offer hands-on experience without the risk of running your own business. Consider tackling one as a way to learn from other farmers and find out whether the lifestyle suits you as well as you hope. Give it at least a year. This article in Modern Farmer suggests investing as much as three to four years.
8. Finding Land Can Take Time
You want to find the right land for the crops you plan to grow, in the best location, at the right price. That can be a tall order. Give it time. The USDA and other organizations offer tools to help. Consider whether to buy or lease. In writing your business plan, build in ample time to find the best location.
9. Know Your Market
As in other industries, read up on market research and tailor your product to demand. This article from Modern Farmer tells an anecdote about a small farm that raised heritage breed chickens, trendy at the time. It turned out people didn’t like the taste. They found success when they switched to Cornish Cross chickens.
10. Know the Location of Your Nearest USDA Service Center
The USDA provides a tool for finding yours. They can offer plenty of advice and guidance on starting your farm or ranch.
Whether you are thinking about going into farming, or you want to mentor someone just starting out, it’s an exciting time for new farmers. A head for business and a strong work ethic go a long way, even without a family background in agriculture.
PHOTO: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain