The good news is, it is
still possible to have a sustainable, profitable micro farm on a small piece of
land. However, the truth is that the methods and tools that worked in
traditional pioneering and homesteading days just won't cut it anymore. Here's
the reality of starting a micro farm today.
Finding land
It is an unusual
circumstance to find true homesteading lands these days. At one time, the
federal government granted land in exchange for a commitment to build on it
(the Homestead Act.) This is no longer the case; there are no current federal
programs to provide land in this fashion.
It is still possible
to find communities that offer a similar program, but they are rare, and
usually come with restrictions that may be difficult to comply with.
So, in reality,
finding land for your micro farm comes down to two options: 1, buy it; or 2,
rent it. In either case you will need some cash money to get started, and on an
on-going basis to pay your mortgage and property taxes, or rent.
Renting farm land and
living somewhere else is a viable option if you don't have the money to buy, or
can't qualify for a mortgage. There is good, underutilized farm land in many
areas of the country. Put the word out to your neighbors that you are looking
for a small plot for a micro farm to raise some vegetables and possibly
livestock.
You can also find land
for your micro farm by driving around and looking for fields that appear
unworked, without animals grazing. Ask local farmers if they might be
interested in renting you a small plot; they may even take a share of what your
small farm produces in exchange.
What to grow on your
micro farm?
In determining what to
grow on your micro farm, you first have to set some goals. Do you expect your
micro farm to produce some part-time income? Or do you plan to make a full time
living from your plot of land? While it is possible to generate revenue per
acre of $40,000 or even more, this requires good planning, good marketing, and
the right mix of micro farm crops.
If you need to
generate a quick return from your property, several crop choices are
eliminated. An orchard will typically take at least 5 years to start producing.
Even small fruit like strawberries and raspberries will produce nothing until
the second year.
Many possible micro
farm ideas may be ruled out for other reasons. For example, raising beef or
dairy cattle on a small property is not practical. There are high start up
costs, and the typical micro farm of less than 5 acres just doesn't have
sufficient room.
These factors also
rule out grain farming. The equipment and land required are beyond the reach of
most micro farmers.
I would also rule out
starting with breeding stock of any kind. There is a steep learning curve
associated with breeding and raising livestock for profit.
A start-up business
within the capabilities of most people is an organic market garden. Penrith
farms can be started with a low-dollar investment, and can be expanded
as your experience and resources grow. There is increasing awareness of and
demand for fresh, local, organic food in most areas of the country, so the
potential is there to grow your market garden into a full time business.
What about livestock
for your micro farm? There are two livestock animals that meet the criteria of
a low-dollar start-up, shallow learning curve, not requiring too much land, and
providing a quick turnaround for your investment: raising pigs on pasture, and
raising chickens for meat.
Raising pigs on
pasture is a good sideline business for your micro farm. Buy weaned piglets
(weaners) from a local farmer, and raise them organically on pasture for about
5 months. Be aware that pigs will root up the ground; take advantage of this by
letting them prepare a garden area for you. Delicious, pasture-raised organic
pork is a premium product; you should be able to charge a price that will net
you about 60% profit on your investment.
Day-ranging meat
chickens may be the ideal small farm livestock. From buying day-old chicks to
putting 5 pound roasters in your freezer should take no more than 12 weeks if
raised organically on pasture. And like pastured pork, free-range organic
chicken is a premium product, commanding a premium price.
How to get started
micro farming
Start by reading all
you can about farming in general, micro farming, and raising livestock
organically and sustainably. Visit some local farms, and learn how they do
things. You might even consider apprenticing on a small mixed organic farm to
learn things first had. Or join an organization like WWOOF (Willing Workers On
Organic Farms) and get the opportunity to see and work on several farms in
season.
Don't underestimate
the skills you will require to be successful on your micro farm. But if you
learn all you can, and start with the crops suggested in this article, you can
create a profitable micro farm even in today's world.
William S. Kelland is
the owner of Premier award-winning New Terra Farm and the author of several
books about small farming topics. You can find out more about market gardening,
small farm livestock.Visit here http://www.penrithfarms.com/
