So, you’ve bought the land and decided to start a farming business. Crops grow just fine on their own, making your work as easy as harvesting produce and waiting for the profits to roll in, right? Wrong!
It is safe that it takes a village to let a farm flourish, with many behind-the-scenes preparations in place. Don’t miss these essential first steps to take to successfully build your new farm.
Calling all new farmers—here are the ins and outs of starting a successful farm.
1. Set Goals & Prioritize Projects
Similar to the considerations before purchasing a farm, you must review a new set of considerations now that you own it. The first step for establishing your farm is setting short- and long-term objectives. Map out your goals while being realistic about space, financial constraints, and timelines to begin creating strategies for each. Once your list is compiled, begin prioritizing them in terms of what must be accomplished now compared to projects that require more resources or remain dependent on completing others first.
Establishing a farm is about playing the long game—successful ventures take time, planning, and dedication—but remember that many tasks will be cyclical and seasonal. So, when prioritizing your goals, you’ll need to account for balancing those varying timelines and cyclical periods where the fields or another endeavor demand your full attention. If crop season is quickly approaching, first work to break down sod before planting vegetables.
Take it a step at a time and prioritize which projects to begin with to prevent burnout. For example, trying to renovate the barn, build an access road, and bring home livestock all at the same time may leave you feeling over your head. Instead, organize your tasks based on what needs to be accomplished before others. For example, renovate the barn for shelter and put up fencing before bringing home livestock.1
2. Create a Financial Plan
A financial forecast that accompanies your goals will be instrumental in determining what’s achievable for your farm and what to prioritize. is crucial for any new landowner. At a minimum, all farmers should prepare the following:
- Budget – Add up all your estimated expenses, including (but not limited to): renovations, construction, livestock, seed, fertilizer, equipment, staff, mortgage, and property taxes.
- Projected profit – To ensure a return on your investment, make sure that your first-year revenue will be greater than your upfront costs.
- Revenue streams – How will your farm make money? Investigate potential sources of income, such as local shops and farmers markets.
Don’t forget to weigh any possible risks and leave a financial cushion in case of unforeseen problems or emergencies.
3. Evaluate the Land
Before breaking ground, you should be up to date on all your land’s relevant assessments. If you recently purchased property, the seller will give you documents regarding:
- Soil testing – You need to know the mineral composition (sand, silt, clay), organic matter, and airflow of your soil to determine its fertility and which crops to plant.2
- Water sources – All farms need safe drinking and irrigation sources. Some land has wells or natural springs, but oftentimes, you’ll have to add infrastructure.
- Topography – Elevation (and drainage) is a key consideration when building a house, barn, or livestock enclosure.
Depending on your property, you may need to hire professionals for these evaluations.
4. Learn the Regulations
All farmland is subject to local laws and restrictions. Here are some common regulations to be aware of:
- Water rights – Local laws on agricultural water use3
- EPA compliance – Ecological protection (land conservation, hazardous waste, and more)4
- Easements – Public rights to your property
- Zoning class – Residential and commercial permissions
While it may seem tedious, don’t skip this step—even an accidental mistake can result in legal issues with severe consequences.
5. Prepare the Land
First, obtain a surveyor’s report to have a clear picture of your acreage. You don’t want to plow a field only to discover you’ve accidentally crossed your neighbor’s property line.
Next, just like you may prep your land for a sale, tidy up your land and prep it for planting. Clear away trash and debris, remove trees and boulders, and knock down old, unwanted structures.
6. Set Up Infrastructure
Your property will require all the typical utilities to keep it up and running: water, electricity, and plumbing. Most likely, farmers will also have to introduce or maintain an irrigation system, storage facilities, and livestock fencing.
For an undeveloped plot of land, you will need to build an entrance road and apply for a street address.
7. Choose the Right Crops
As we mentioned, all plants thrive in specific types of soil. Some crops prefer dry land, while others require lots of moisture. Understanding the soil composition and climate of your farmland is crucial for successful crop cultivation. Here’s a breakdown of some common crops and the types of soil they thrive in: Do your research to determine the best crops for the climate and soil of your farmland.
Corn (Maize): Corn grows well in loamy soil, which is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It requires soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Wheat: Wheat can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with moderate moisture levels during the germination and tillering stages. However, excessive moisture can lead to fungal diseases.
Soybeans: Soybeans thrive in well-drained, fertile soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. They require adequate moisture levels, especially during flowering and pod development.
Potatoes: Potatoes grow best in loose, well-drained soils with high organic matter content. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal for potato cultivation. Potatoes require consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but excessive moisture can lead to diseases like potato blight.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with good fertility. Regular watering is required to keep the soil moist, especially during fruit development.
Carrots: Carrots prefer loose, sandy loam soils that are free-draining and rich in organic matter. Heavy or compacted soils can cause misshapen roots.
It’s essential to conduct soil tests and consult local agricultural extension services to determine the specific soil characteristics of your farmland. By selecting crops that are well-suited to your soil type and climate, you can optimize yields and ensure the success of your agricultural endeavors.
8. Stay Organized & Periodically Reassess Your Goals
As a new farmer, detailed bookkeeping is your roadmap to success. Start by keeping all your financial, harvest, livestock, and staff records in a safe and organized place. This will not only help you stay on top of your operations but also provide valuable insights into your farm’s performance.
For example, create spreadsheets or use farm management software to track expenses, revenue, crop yields, and livestock health. Make sure to document everything from equipment purchases to crop rotations and veterinary expenses. Periodically, set aside time to analyze your data. Look for patterns and trends that correlate with profit losses or gains. Are there certain crops or livestock that consistently perform better than others? Are there areas where you’re overspending or underutilizing resources?
Based on the insights gleaned from your analysis, annually update and adjust your prioritized goals. Perhaps you’ll decide to focus more on high-yielding crops, invest in better irrigation systems, or expand your livestock operation. By regularly reassessing your goals and adapting to changing circumstances, you’ll increase your farm’s efficiency and profitability over time.
9. Market Your Products
Before you start farming, grasp your potential buyers’ landscape and devise a clear marketing strategy. Identify your target audience—be it local consumers, restaurants, or markets—and tailor your products and marketing accordingly.
Decide on your sales channels, whether direct-to-consumer or through partnerships with local businesses and plan your logistics accordingly. Develop a succinct marketing plan, addressing key questions such as logo design, advertising avenues, and potential partnerships. Utilize social media and online platforms to showcase your farm and engage with customers, highlighting your unique selling proposition (USP) to set yourself apart.
Continuously monitor feedback and market trends, adjusting your strategies as needed to build a strong and lasting brand presence in the agricultural sector. Or, if marketing isn’t your forte, or you don’t have the time to focus on marketing, consider hiring a marketing specialist to assist with branding and promotional efforts. Our team has a plethora of resources for farmers like you to help you out.
10. Join a Helpful and Supportive Community
Whether this is your first farm or you’re a weathered ranch hand, no one knows every little tip and trick—from which fertilizer has the best chemical composition for certain crops to how to hypnotize chickens. That readily accessible informational resource will be crucial when you have questions about long-term goals, streamlining seasonal responsibilities, trying new products and processes, or just helpful “farming hacks.”
By joining the Land.com network, you gain access to a wealth of resources and support to help you navigate every aspect of farm life. Whether you have questions about long-term planning, streamlining seasonal tasks, or experimenting with new products and processes, Land.com is there to provide guidance and inspiration. Plus, with a subscription to LAND magazine, you’ll receive expert insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from fellow landowners and farmers across the country.
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Check out Land News and LAND Magazine for more expert tips when launching your first farm.
Sources:
- Runumak Acres Conservation Farm. Establishing a New Farm: Where to Start & How to Prioritize. https://runamukacres.com/establishing-a-new-farm/
- Nature. Soil: The Foundation of Agriculture. https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/soil-the-foundation-of-agriculture-84224268/
- The National Agricultural Law Center. Water Law: An Overview. https://nationalaglawcenter.org/overview/water-law/
- EPA. Regulatory and Guidance Information By Topic. https://www.epa.gov/regulatory-information-topic