Farming for profit

[David P]

David, hope I understand correctly and if so how about mulch cloth like used around shrubs? If not mistaken used with strawberry farms in my part of the world. .

We've discussed using the black landscaping cloth but have not yet tried it. My concern has been using that cloth will block both grass and new blueberry shoot growth. Need to check with our MSU Extension expert (Michigan State University) and the nursery where we buy the plants. It's on the list for next time for sure though as even that heavy cardboard didn't do much.

 

[Dadnatron]

David, hope I understand correctly and if so how about mulch cloth like used around shrubs? If not mistaken used with strawberry farms in my part of the world.

Lady who works for me in my insurance business talked with me about her experience with raising goats and selling to individuals and also old layers. Forgot the term she called them but said the laying houses sold them for very little and she bought them and kept them a few days and could sell them to individuals for eating at like 10 times what she paid for them. Any one have any experience with raising goats for meat?

Eddie and Dadnatron: combing parts of what each of you said any thoughts on speciality bred beef cattle, maybe smaller breeds, possibly being able to sell direct.

I think a person who raises a good varity of produces and is able to deliever it could do a good business with the right area with a regular route of deliever maybe with web site offers and orders being placed there.

Definitely small breeds, but not because they are small and therefore easy, but because smaller framed cattle have a better grass/meat ratio. If I were to do it, I would do Lowline angus, Devon, or Southpole. If cattle interest you, I would HIGHLY recommend watching videos on Youtube by Greg Judy and Joel Salatin. They both use similar low stress techniques. Both have a ton of videos relating how they work. Greg is more of a 'standard' cattle/sheep farmer whereas Joel Salatin has an incredible multilayered farm from Cattle to rabbits.

If nothing else, they are very interesting videos and anyone who is interested in actually making money farming animals would do themselves well by watching their videos. Look up "High Intensity grazing" "Rotational Grazing" Those will give you an idea about what I am speaking. It is just a different way to ranch, and actually, when setup, it is MUCH LESS work than is typical. And if you do it well, you won't have to feed much, if any, hay in winter, depending upon where you live.

I certainly would NOT just put 5 cows out in the pasture. That is the worst way to hurt your land and cause you heartache. But rotational grazing can really improve your ground (Greg Judy has several videos and books) and make your life much easier and profitable.

 

[KYErik]

Most farmers around these parts who farm less than 1000 acres of corn/wheat/soybeans/cattle have a full time job that "pays the bills". The farm supplements their income -and allows them to write off the expenses of a nice pickup truck . Small farmers do it mainly because they love it and/or it is a family tradition.

Weather and market prices make or break every year's crop. $100-200 is an average profit margin per acre when you average out the good and bad years- but then there are the taxes... It takes a lot of acres to be a full time farmer without any supplemental income- and you pretty much have to own your equipment. Crop insurance has removed a lot of the risk of losing big, but it is no fun to spend a lot of hours in the field and then end up breaking even.

As others have said, a specialty market is the way to go- but there is always the risk that you won't be able to sell your product.

 

[300UGUY]

I had a coworker that had 100+ ewes. He had a good market for lambs, we have a lot of middle eastern folks here, and they all want lambs for their holidays.

 

[kthompson]

Shaneard, may I ask what general area of NC are you in? I live about 20 miles from Myrtle Beach and wonder if we have similar weather or you in the mountains. How many acres did you use for 27? Can I private message you with more questions?

 

[HillStreet]

I have 8.5 acres of apple trees, 5 varieties in all. The trees are in good shape but overgrown. I am pruning now and hope to have 2 acres producing this year. I am thinking pick your own, and I know I won't get rich but it is fun. I also will plant pumpkins this year, and plant 100 blueberry bushes to start. I will also chip the apple wood for sale. And probably sell bird houses too out of a small sales building I will build in the spring.

I know there is potential for $10,000 in sales a year but I need to get it refined before I open. We are in the country here, so I am pretty sure a web site and signs will bring us business but I don't want it too big, nor do I want to hire clowns or give hay rides if you know what I mean.

The property is looking real nice now, well maintained, so it is a benefit.

 

[Turbys_1700]

We have a few local smaller farmers around here that incorporate honey production along with their vegetable crops...
Most sell to the local farmers market...
Some others are raising beef, chicken, and pork free range and have developed markets for their products locally and in some restaurants...
Many are part time and have full time jobs to supplement income...
We currently have a couple of locals cutting hay from our small farms to keep them from growing up...

 

[Shaneard]

Shaneard, may I ask what general area of NC are you in? I live about 20 miles from Myrtle Beach and wonder if we have similar weather or you in the mountains. How many acres did you use for 27? Can I private message you with more questions?

Live near Winston. I had the goats on 5-6 acres. Tried to keep about 10 females for breeding and then when all the babies came it was a hand full. 1/2 wooded 1/2 established grass and it bordered a pond so they could get their water. I had the fence ran all the way down to the water on 2 sides. Sure you can send me a private message and I'll try and answer what I can.

 

[ArtMech]

Interesting if US farmers, milk producers suffer from low milk buying up prices? Our farmers do. Meanwhile it is 0.15 euro ($0.16) for 1 kg (2.20 lbs) of milk. Many of them quit keeping milch-cows and are looking for other activities.

 

[forgeblast]

We've discussed using the black landscaping cloth but have not yet tried it. My concern has been using that cloth will block both grass and new blueberry shoot growth. Need to check with our MSU Extension expert (Michigan State University) and the nursery where we buy the plants. It's on the list for next time for sure though as even that heavy cardboard didn't do much.

Around me most use double ground hardwood much to feed and suppress the weeds.