For many, working in the farming industry is a dream come true. Working under the sun, driving a tractor, and feeling the fresh earth beneath your feet is their idea of the perfect life. Working in nature with plants and animals is hands-on, fulfilling, and above all, there’s never a dull moment.
However, if you’ve never worked in this kind of industry before, it can be daunting to know how to break in. There is a considerable amount to know before starting a farm of your own. Take a look at some of the best tips for breaking into the farming business.
Visit a Farm
If you’ve never been around farming, then it’s normal to wonder how you’re supposed to get started. It’s helpful to get some first-hand experience by visiting a farm and seeing what the day to day operations are like.
It’s in your best interest to get hands-on experience by visiting a farm and asking to shadow a farmer. Ideally, you’ll have a mentor who can teach you what it is that you need to know.
Although you can read articles or even watching videos, nothing compares to the value of learning directly from a farmer with years of experience.
Decide On Your Niche
It’s helpful to know what kind of farm you’d like to start. Finding a niche makes it possible to slowly dip your feet in rather than diving headfirst. Discover what it is that you have a passion for and center your farm around that.
It’s important to mention, however, that your niche will have to be realistic for the area where your farm is located. For example, growing guavas in the middle of Idaho may not be the best fit.
Do Market Research
Anytime that you start a business, it’s important that you conduct market research. It helps to know who your customer is and how you plan on appealing to them to buy your products.
Get to know your local market first. Meet other farmers, store owners, and talk to customers in the area. Get to know how things work and try to envision how you’d insert yourself into the industry.
Find Land
When you’ve figured out what and how you’d like to farm, you’ll need a place to do the actual farming. You’ll need to find land that will be appropriate for what it is that you’d like to do.
Consider areas that already have farming going on and that are within a reasonable distance from where people are willing to travel to. Going too far off the grid may provide better prices, but it may hurt your sales.
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