1st year truly farming

zythinl · May 13, 2012

Wasn't sure were to post this so i did here because this is my first year of farming some ground i rented. I have farmed all my life but never had My own to worry about, just helped DAD. I often hear people in my area and all around always commenting how they want to farm because you only have to work a little in the spring and a little in the fall. HA! they don't have a clue. Not discouraging anyone from starting to farm ITS HARD! LOL. All i can say about my experience is that i am exhausted! in the past 3 weeks today is the first day i can even think about relaxing.. (my relaxation is working in garden and shop to get caught up on projects). Its so different to farm when if ya don't do it hey its not going to get done and still working a full time job, but my goal is to full time farm some time in the future so i have to start somewhere. Also this is my first year so i also found out how EXPENSIVE it is to do. WOW. I have seen some people on this site that talk or have actually started farming and i guess my point is that it has been worth it for me so far just to be able to have my own and what not.

Chiriqui · May 13, 2012

You don't farm for the money, cuz there ain't any. Those who stay in farming find a way to eek out a living, but they really do it cuz they love it.

rsewill · May 13, 2012

Nobody works harder than a family farmer.

jenkinsph · May 13, 2012

I would like to farm, I just can't afford it. High risk, high investment, low return even with all the hard work. It also takes a lot of knowledge and experience too that most of us don't have.

For me building landscapes is almost as enjoyable as farming and allows me to defray the equipment costs and make a small living. After 25 years being a full time mechanical contractor I had to make a change to something I enjoyed more. Mixing in landscape construction is working for me, nice to look at completed projects and see the improvements.

bucktaker · May 13, 2012

so you farmed with your father???? are you using his equipment or did you buy your own?

I would love to be a full time farmer buy it will never happen. Didnt grow up with or marry the farmers daughter. So land and equipment will never be affordable.
I do envy the full time farmer who inherits or buys from family the equipment and land to continue the family farm.

Best of luck to you

creekbend · May 13, 2012

Best wishes. Sincerely hope that everything works out. :tractor:

tessiers · May 13, 2012

We have a few years under our belts but I agree it is awsome. We own 15 acres which is all pasture and we hay another 25 which is all owned by other people. The one piece we do which is worth paying lease on the owner told me to spend whatever I would pay him and improve the fields. We run all old junk equipment, I can't see how anyone can afford new equipment without hundreds of acres. We are definately doing it for the love right now, no real money yet. I figure the best way to make a million farming is start with 2 million.

rambler · May 14, 2012

Takes about 5 years be4 you see any money, or gain, from the farm.

Will be 10 years before it feels worthwhile ($$$-wise) and like you are getting ahead.

Those first few years are very eye-openning.

Welcome to farming.

--->Paul

zythinl · May 14, 2012

No i didnt buy equipment. the deal with my dad is that i help him all the time i can and in return i get to use his equipment on my share of stuff and all i pay is fuel, seed, fert and what not. if i didnt have this option then i wouldnt be able to farm. If it wasnt in the family to begine with i cant see my self ever full time farming but i will be the 4th generation on this ground!