Any path we choose in life begins with one step at a time. As we progress along that path, the steps we take merge, and we repeat those that take us forward while avoiding those that set us back.
If you are just starting in the farming industry and are unsure of what steps may be helpful in your chosen venture, here are some tips that you and every new farmer should know to help you along the way.
The recurring theme here, of course, is that you start small and build your way up. But what exactly does starting small entail?
The bottom line is that if you plan to plant, harvest and potentially sell a particular crop, you are left to decide which type of crop best suits you.
This also includes the type of land you are farming, the climate, market demand and sale potential of the crop, as well as your available budget. These are some of the factors you should take into account.
If you are going to farm animals, your choices will be acted on the type of farmer you plan to be – either commercial or simply taking up farming as a hobby.
Different animals require varying degrees of
roaming space, feed and attention. Chickens are a
great choice for first-time farmers. They can be multipurpose, providing eggs, meat and fertiliser.
They also take up comparatively less space, so they are a good option for small-scale farms.
A farm operations plan should describe your production system. This includes all inputs, outputs and processes for transforming inputs into outputs.
Identify your primary input suppliers to demonstrate that a supply chain exists to support your production system. Consider transportation and storage needs.
Educate yourself about regulations that may affect your business, and discuss what steps you will take to comply.
Connect with your community’s other farmers, extension agents and agricultural service providers. Building relationships with other producers, especially older generations, can be incredibly valuable and satisfying for all parties.
Ask a lot of questions – not just about production, but especially about finances. Be generous in supporting other farm businesses in your community. Establishing strong ties with the agricultural community will give you access to resources for support and information. A solid social network can help you make better decisions and grow your farm business faster.
Dream big, but also manage risk and plan for failure. Farming is an incredibly risky venture, and it takes a colossal investment of time and money to get started. Minimise your financial risk as much as possible by financing the business from savings or earnings, rather than debt.
Grow slowly, live frugally and be prepared to keep an off-farm job for years until the business is large and stable enough to support you. Most importantly, have an exit plan from the very beginning.
What happens if the business does not work out, or if you decide to downgrade it to hobby status? What happens if you have an unexpected medical emergency? How quickly can you liquidate your farm business assets, and how much are they worth?
Having a plan for your worst-case scenario can help to take some of the pressure off and reduce the stresses of navigating the startup stage.
Nothing beats real-life experience, so if you want to become a farmer, you have to get yourself to a farm and get dirty. This is long overdue – you need to do this as soon as yesterday already.
- tjatindi@gmail.com