Ever dreamed of trading the city lights for starry nights, and the office cubicle for wide-open fields? Is your cottagecore pinterest board overflowing with pictures of idealized rural living, or your instagram packed with homesteaders who earn a living off their small farm?
Well, you’re not alone. More and more people are chasing the small farm dream, looking for a simpler, more connected way of life. But, it’s important to remember that what we see on social media is romanticized to only show the best parts of farm life. And for good reason.
Operating a farm and living off the land can be a really fulfilling lifestyle, but to think of it as a “simpler way of living” is to discredit the hard work and knowledge required to be comfortable. Knowing how to plant and care for your crops is just the tip of the iceberg on a farm. You also have to know how to harvest and, often, preserve your yields, manage pests, maintain and repair your equipment, and so much more. And that’s just for the plants!
If you decide you’re going to have any livestock for eggs, dairy, or meat, then your work just grows exponentially. Caring for animals is a full time job, and so is processing any products that you receive from them. On top of all of that, you have to operate and manage a business! Produce and other farm products don’t just sell themselves, and you have to account for all the money you spend and earn.
Still, the allure of running a small farm is strong. It’s about fresh food, connection to nature, and creating a sustainable lifestyle. But it’s also about managing challenges, from weather and pests to finances and regulations. So, let’s gather up some useful tools.
Tool 1: Educate Yourself
Don’t get frightened off by the idea of education: this doesn’t mean you have to go earn a degree! While you could go the route of traditional higher education and earn a degree in Agricultural Sciences or Farm and Ranch Management, there are plenty of other options that are more accessible.
Depending on how complex your operations are set to be, you might be required to earn a certification or two. For example, if you’re selling to major distributors or grocery chains, you might need to get USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certificate and pass the GAP Audit.
Unless you grew up on a farm or working for a farm, you’ll probably need to get some experience in what it actually takes to manage a farm. A good start is spending a season working on a farm like what you envision yours to be.
Workshops are another great way to gain practical experience and skills, on everything from aquaculture to accounting and beyond. If you’re fortunate enough to have an agricultural center near you, these can be a great resource for workshops and classes.
In our area, we have the OSU Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) that hosts frequent classes. Earlier this month, they hosted classes for Exploring The Small Farm Dream on everything that actually goes into operating a small farm including market research and business finance.
Tool 2: Embracing Regenerative Agriculture
Forget about just growing crops. Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving the health of the soil. It’s about building organic matter, reducing tillage, and using cover crops. Think of it as farming in a way that gives back to the earth by revitalizing soil and rebuilding ecosystems.
Healthier soil means healthier plants, which means better yields and tastier food. Plus, it can help your farm be more resilient to droughts and extreme weather. By working with nature, not against it, you can create a more sustainable and profitable operation.
Aside from the obvious fact that people will want to buy more produce when it tastes good, it also saves you money! Regenerative agriculture reduces the need for soil amendments, pesticides and herbicides, and even water. That translates to major savings for your fledgling farm.
Tool 3: Designing Your Small Farm Home Plans
Your small farm home plans should reflect your practical lifestyle. Think about how your home will connect to your land. Do you need a mudroom for dirty boots? A big kitchen for canning? On a small farm, every inch counts. Design your home to maximize space and use resources efficiently. Think about multi-purpose rooms and storage solutions.
Of course, designing your perfect farm home can get expensive fast. Consider using sustainable practices to mitigate some of that upfront cost. Salvaged materials like reclaimed wood, pallets, or straw bales are affordable (or free) building materials. Think about solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting systems to reduce your home energy, water, and waste bills.
Tool 4: Important Considerations for Small Farm Animals
Raising farm animals requires a lot of knowledge and dedication especially on a small farm. You’ll need to learn about their dietary needs, health, and housing requirements. Chickens, goats, and sheep are popular choices for small farm animals because they’re relatively easy to care for and can provide a variety of products and resources.
Selling eggs, milk, wool, or meat can be a great way to generate income for your small farm. Plus, having animals can help you manage your land and create natural fertilizer. But remember, you have to learn how to process all of these products in safe and humane ways.
Tool 5: Engaging in Community-Supported Agriculture
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a way for people to buy fresh, local food directly from a farmer. Customers buy a “share” of the farm’s harvest and receive regular deliveries of produce. This means that the consumer also takes on part of the risk of farm operations because they’re investing in the farm in exchange for priority access, instead of paying for the weight of produce.
A CSA can help you build strong relationships with your customers. It’s a way to connect with people who care about where their food comes from that also provides a steady income stream and helps you plan your crops. It even reduces waste and strengthens your local food system creating a mutualistic relationship like those you find in a healthy ecosystem.
Tool 6: Understanding Farm and Ranch Insurance
Running a small farm is a dynamic endeavour with a million variables, which means it’s wise to protect your investment any way you can. Farm and ranch insurance coverage is designed to protect your property, equipment, crops, and livestock from unexpected events like fires, storms, and accidents.
Work with an experienced agent who understands farm and ranch insurance. Make sure you understand your policy and ask questions. It’s important to be familiar with the different types of coverage and choose a policy that meets your needs. You can get coverage for:
- – Buildings: This includes the main house, barns, and outbuildings.
- – Machinery and Equipment: Tractors, pickers, irrigation systems… the list of farm equipment that needs protection goes on and on.
- – Livestock: Covers your animals for death and injury.
- – Crop Coverage & Farm Products: Protects your income if you experience crop failure or losses of any of the products you make on your farm.
- – Liability: Required to operate a farm business, this covers you for injuries or damage to someone else’s property.
Hone Your Small Farm Tools
Building a successful small farm takes a combination of passion, planning, and practical skills. By embracing regenerative agriculture, designing thoughtful small farm home plans, caring for your small farm animals, engaging in community-supported agriculture, and understanding farm and ranch insurance coverage, you are on the right path to turn your dream into a reality.
The small farm dream is within reach. With dedication, hard work, and the right tools, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable life on your own land. Remember that every successful farm started with a dream, and yours can too.
If you’re curious about what your small farm insurance options are, you can reach out to our team at Ashland Insurance online or give us a call!
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford