Is it possible to make a living or be a full-time farmer with 50 acres of less? According to agronomy specialist, Tim Schnakenberg, with University of Missouri Extension it is — provided you are willing to do some research and farm planning before jumping in.
Small-acre farming is not a new idea, but the size of the average family farm is steadily rising, and in this era of large farms, many believe that bigger is better. But as Schnakenberg points out small farm success is about having a well-researched plan and a willingness to work. It’s hard, he admits, to work 40 or 50 hours at another job and then work your farm.
Schnakenberg offers the following advice for low-acre farms.
The farm must fit your lifestyle and interest.
If you realistically only have 10-15 hours a week to dedicate to your farming enterprise, then research a non-labor intensive option. You cannot make the hours magically appear, so start small, set reasonable growth goals and do the work. One successful organic farming couple in Maine began their operation nearly 30 years ago – using only one acre of their 40-acre plot. Within four years, the couple quit working off the farm and the farm began supporting them.
Inventory resources and research market options
Just like everyone is different, each parcel of land is different. Schnakenberg says farmers should carefully consider all their resources and then research market options. Options will vary by location, interest, skill and lifestyle. For some it will mean raising livestock, for others it may be alternative crop production. What most people find, he said, is that niches and markets are endless.
Of course, arranging and aligning those two competing factors — markets and resources — takes time and mental energy. In the end though, when done correctly, it can yield a self-sustaining farm.
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