small scale farming on the cheap?

[forgeblast]

If prepping then diversify, and have crops that ripen at different times to make sure youre able to eat.
Maby look at berrys, hazelnuts, and other shrubs fruits as part of the overall plan.

 

[sam5570]

As much as I love to teach and encourage the rural/Ag lifestyle, I find it extremely hard to answer a question(s) such as this. The cost of gearing up, from scratch, would likely mean decades of indebtedness which isn't going to help sooth your "end of the world" sensibilities.

The learning curve is pretty steep on the knowledge side of things and the investment/return curve is worse on the financial side of the equation.

Having access to land suggests you're not the owner? If you were, I'd suggest a path of learning through renting it to someone with the equipment and know how to assist with the learning curve.

well said if you read and understand what is said here im sure you will make the right decision:thumbsup:

 

[Western]

I agree with all the guys here. I think to make a go at it, you need 2-3 "specialty crops, maybe blueberries and the like. I would also strongly consider a Christmas tree farm if it is viable.
You might make more $ from greenhouse growing the specialty or seasonal things on 1 acre than 40 acres of corn, maybe.

Whatever you do it will be your 2nd full time job!

 

[tech141]

I'm right there along with the OP, except I already have my 45 acres that I'm looking to put to work for me.

Greenhouse crops,,, eh? Sounds interesting. Guess I need to research what crops would be profitable in a greenhouse situation.

 

[Western]

I'm right there along with the OP, except I already have my 45 acres that I'm looking to put to work for me.

Greenhouse crops,,, eh? Sounds interesting. Guess I need to research what crops would be profitable in a greenhouse situation.

I'd bet any high dollar crop beside marijuana! Delicate type, or hard to find in the winter type berries, or specialty veggies. Wintertime melons may bring top dollar around the holidays, grown on trellises the don't take up as much room, but you sacrifice size. Worm farming may work for some, or be an add on to your new "empire":thumbsup:

 

[Jstpssng]

Small scale, 40 acres? Guess I need to redo my thinking.
I'm nearly done reclaiming a 2 1/2 acre field, with plans (contingent on the advise of the soil guy) for an acre of fruit trees, (with pyo strawberries between the rows until the trees get bigger) plus an acre of asparagus. I'm not looking to get rich, just want a little extra income in 8 years when retirement rolls around.

 

[tech141]

Well, I grew up where 2000 acres was considered a "cute" plot of land, so I see my 45 as a small plot. I, too, want to utilize my land for extra income in a few years. Also will build a house on it. Probably run a few head of cattle/sheep/goats. Chickens and Guinea fowl are in the plans as well.

 

[Jstpssng]

Well, I grew up where 2000 acres was considered a "cute" plot of land, so I see my 45 as a small plot. I, too, want to utilize my land for extra income in a few years. Also will build a house on it. Probably run a few head of cattle/sheep/goats. Chickens and Guinea fowl are in the plans as well.

I know, it just seemes ironic. What I plan probabky falls under the "hobby category anyways.

Farms out your way tend to be bigger anyhow... There's a reason it's called the "Breadbasket of the USA"

 

[tech141]

I know, it just seems ironic. What I plan probably falls under the "hobby category anyways.

Farms out your way tend to be bigger anyhow... There's a reason it's called the "Breadbasket of the USA"

Right now, my property could be considered the "Rockbasket of Missouri". I don't think it has ever been used for "Growing". I've got a lot of work ahead of me removing rocks/prepping the ground and getting rid of the hundreds+ of Honey Locust trees. I HATE Honey Locusts trees with a passion. Takes almost an hour to cut through the Spike heavy branches just to get at the trunk without getting impaled.

 

[Localmotion]

I'm right there along with the OP, except I already have my 45 acres that I'm looking to put to work for me.

Greenhouse crops,,, eh? Sounds interesting. Guess I need to research what crops would be profitable in a greenhouse situation.

If you're considering "greenhouse crops" - look at Polytunnels. It's a much cheaper way to cover a plot of land :thumbsup: