Even a microhomestead is a ton of work. My wife and I live in Texas and we have a larger backyard than most, about 1/2 acre with 20ish live oaks. We have transformed it into a microhomestead over 4 years and we now have 2 greenhouses, 22 raised garden beds, a 35 foot high tunnel in-ground garden, 2 small ponds, 5 ducks and 5 chickens, a bee hive, a 1,500 square foot wildflower patch, 3 huge composting areas, and a 250 gallon rain collection system. All of this is so much work, 365 days a year, that my wife quit her job to just tend to it all as a full time job. Super rewarding and fun and we love it, but a LOT of work
I have a 1150 sq ft semi-rural backyard plus another 250 sq ft of common access space attached to my yard. Besides 10 fruit, spice & floral trees (plus a bunch of papaya and banana trees which come & go), I have 4 long raised beds for tomatoes & veggies, 2 rows of foodgrains and a melon patch. I plan to keep a few quails indoors for eggs, 3 ducks on my verandah for slug control (and more eggs for sale!), plus two milk goats. I work from home but will have to prioritize my activities which will be the most important part and get some help when required. I'm hoping to "lend" my goats & ducks to neighbors for bush and slug control during the rainy months. Keep the neighbors from complaining 😉 I thought I was micro homesteading with the produce and food preservation. I'd love to have a little more land but a half acre would be beyond my capability!
You are right about debt getting us in trouble, but if I would not have borrowed to buy my little farm in 1989, I would still be waiting until I had the money to do so. In the meantime my property has long been paid off and has risen in value many, many times what I paid for it 35 years ago.
Oh yeah, I completely understand. I didn't intend to give the impression that someone shouldn't borrow to buy property, but to make sure they're ready before doing so.
Just found your channel. My wife and I are also farmers, we raise sheep for meat and wool, chickens for eggs, and we turkeys seasonally. We've been farmers for about five years and have found a niche in providing lamb to local butcher shops to the point we need to expand again. This is our second farm, 23 acres, our first was 8 acres. We have a problem keeping up with demand which is a good problem, it's just an expensive problem to solve as land isn't cheap around here (Western Washington). I look forward to watching more of your content!
@yorikvatral929 Only been to Wyoming once. It was beautiful, but cold and windy. I'd consider moving there only if the low temperature was around 50°F. 😄
Thank you! I'm always excited to hear stories like yours. Land prices have more than doubled in my part of southern Missouri over the last few years, so I understand your frustration. Keep up the good work, and good luck. Maybe you'll run across a good deal.
I have looked at american farming land prices and I'm just a little bit jealous of what's on offer. Surely, if people go in and buy the land outright and put budget friendly homes on them, they can make a good go at living a rural lifestyle before jumping headlong into trying to be a farmer. Some of these homestead youtubers like to make things look very picturesque while having 5 trucks and 3 tractors on the farm. That can't be sustainable unless you are on big TH-cam money. I would love to have a farm where I could run a small group of sheep and some chickens. But I think in my country this will remain a fantasy.
Always, ALWAYS, look for old items. Talk to farmers, tubs are great. When talking to farmers, see if they have pieces of machinery that they want to sell. In the end, if you can barter, say eggs, with them or whoever. Dont by new machinery in the beginning. Only by new if you have to. And I can't say enough about this. Like you said, do research, market research, talk to people, go to the Saturday Farmers Market & just talk to people. Especially if you find that piece of land that you want but what you want to do is flooded with product. And i can't emphasize enough on this next point. TALK TO THE LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT! Yes, I'm saying that loud. I used to work for different districts. I specialized in small acreage planning. I've got people into various programs that people, like this gentleman as an example, to reduce their costs on production. Needless to say, there are ways to do things that don't necessarily break the bank. And just as an FYI, not all small producers are Christian. So I kinda take issue with that. I'm glad that you feel that way, but please keep it out of educational videos, or at least, make a point of it at the beginning. I turned completely off when you started quoting scripture.
I'm pretty bad about glancing through old junk machinery sitting in fields as I drive past, wondering what I might be able to resurrect, or at the very least get parts from. I do the same thing with old barns that are falling in, scoping out lumber and tin. Sometimes I think it might be a curse. Lol. I get what you are saying, and it is not my intention to offend or alienate anyone. However, my beliefs, religious or otherwise, are essential to who I am. I cannot be anyone else. Thank you for sharing your thoughts regardless.
I agree! Small elections give you more voice than the big one! We just finished a year on our land and it’s been such a blessing, but it’s been tough hard work and we are learning as we go because what worked for us before, doesn’t here!
My cousin and I are getting into grower pigs. We are fortunate that my dad had infrastructure/ pens here, concrete floors. As they grow we are putting electrical mesh, yes, yet to buy. Shelters will be made from a timber/steel, mesh that I have had for some time. 🇦🇺
This video is not really about building a farm. It does mention leasing land and starting slow. It is mainly a video of caution. What are the specific methods used in gaining customers, etc...
You're right, it's more about the hurdles involved in starting a farm than a specific how-to guide. I appreciate the feedback. I'll try to put something together that's more specific to building a market, etc.
We have just stated with pigs too. I’ve asked others because we are doing forest pigs and no commercial feed. So, what I hear is people are interested in buying meats after processing but no one wants a whole pig. Any advice on how to market?
That's a great question. In my experience, one of the best options is local social media groups and pages. Let friends, family, and neighbors know that you're going to have hogs available. Word of mouth is a powerful tool that we often forget about. Frankly, it's my favorite way to build a customer base. I've also used old-fashioned paid advertising and found success. I know of others who have had success by calling local processors and letting them know that they have pigs available if they get a call from someone who is looking to buy one. Get creative. You never know where you might find a customer.
We also have goats and a couple miniature donkeys. The most challenging is definitely the pigs. They require more time and effort than anything else, but they're still my favorite.
@@EuSuntCEE Lol!!! The goats can be a pain, for sure. I guess what gives the pigs the edge is their importance to our overall business model. Pork is at the center of our market right now. I could haul the goats to the sale barn tomorrow and just get on with life. The pigs, not so much.
Sometimes it feels that way. Land prices have more than doubled where I live since I bought my property in 2019. Ironically, I bought it from family and it barely appraised for what I paid for it. However, I can't think of a single farmer that I know personally who had a relative, wealthy or otherwise, buy land for them. I know some that have inherited what they have, but most found a way to buy what they have by working for it. I'll also point out that most of them have trade jobs and only a handful have college degrees. Thanks for watching.
Even a microhomestead is a ton of work. My wife and I live in Texas and we have a larger backyard than most, about 1/2 acre with 20ish live oaks. We have transformed it into a microhomestead over 4 years and we now have 2 greenhouses, 22 raised garden beds, a 35 foot high tunnel in-ground garden, 2 small ponds, 5 ducks and 5 chickens, a bee hive, a 1,500 square foot wildflower patch, 3 huge composting areas, and a 250 gallon rain collection system.
All of this is so much work, 365 days a year, that my wife quit her job to just tend to it all as a full time job.
Super rewarding and fun and we love it, but a LOT of work
That's really cool! You're right, though, it is a lot of work.
Superb! I’m on a legit one acre living in my Rv a a rural area with intentions of doing the same.
I have a 1150 sq ft semi-rural backyard plus another 250 sq ft of common access space attached to my yard. Besides 10 fruit, spice & floral trees (plus a bunch of papaya and banana trees which come & go), I have 4 long raised beds for tomatoes & veggies, 2 rows of foodgrains and a melon patch. I plan to keep a few quails indoors for eggs, 3 ducks on my verandah for slug control (and more eggs for sale!), plus two milk goats.
I work from home but will have to prioritize my activities which will be the most important part and get some help when required.
I'm hoping to "lend" my goats & ducks to neighbors for bush and slug control during the rainy months. Keep the neighbors from complaining 😉
I thought I was micro homesteading with the produce and food preservation. I'd love to have a little more land but a half acre would be beyond my capability!
Can you guys ever go on vacation for a few weeks?
You are right about debt getting us in trouble, but if I would not have borrowed to buy my little farm in 1989, I would still be waiting until I had the money to do so. In the meantime my property has long been paid off and has risen in value many, many times what I paid for it 35 years ago.
Oh yeah, I completely understand. I didn't intend to give the impression that someone shouldn't borrow to buy property, but to make sure they're ready before doing so.
Exactly!
Just found your channel. My wife and I are also farmers, we raise sheep for meat and wool, chickens for eggs, and we turkeys seasonally. We've been farmers for about five years and have found a niche in providing lamb to local butcher shops to the point we need to expand again. This is our second farm, 23 acres, our first was 8 acres. We have a problem keeping up with demand which is a good problem, it's just an expensive problem to solve as land isn't cheap around here (Western Washington).
I look forward to watching more of your content!
What you think about Wyoming ? To windy ?
@yorikvatral929 Only been to Wyoming once. It was beautiful, but cold and windy. I'd consider moving there only if the low temperature was around 50°F. 😄
Thank you! I'm always excited to hear stories like yours. Land prices have more than doubled in my part of southern Missouri over the last few years, so I understand your frustration. Keep up the good work, and good luck. Maybe you'll run across a good deal.
You absolutely have to love the process!!
This is brilliant advice. Thank you for sharing your experience. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
I appreciate the honesty.
I have looked at american farming land prices and I'm just a little bit jealous of what's on offer.
Surely, if people go in and buy the land outright and put budget friendly homes on them, they can make a good go at living a rural lifestyle before jumping headlong into trying to be a farmer.
Some of these homestead youtubers like to make things look very picturesque while having 5 trucks and 3 tractors on the farm. That can't be sustainable unless you are on big TH-cam money.
I would love to have a farm where I could run a small group of sheep and some chickens. But I think in my country this will remain a fantasy.
You're absolutely right! I'm curious, what country do you live in?
Which country are you in? France?
Always, ALWAYS, look for old items. Talk to farmers, tubs are great. When talking to farmers, see if they have pieces of machinery that they want to sell. In the end, if you can barter, say eggs, with them or whoever. Dont by new machinery in the beginning. Only by new if you have to. And I can't say enough about this. Like you said, do research, market research, talk to people, go to the Saturday Farmers Market & just talk to people. Especially if you find that piece of land that you want but what you want to do is flooded with product. And i can't emphasize enough on this next point. TALK TO THE LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT! Yes, I'm saying that loud. I used to work for different districts. I specialized in small acreage planning. I've got people into various programs that people, like this gentleman as an example, to reduce their costs on production. Needless to say, there are ways to do things that don't necessarily break the bank.
And just as an FYI, not all small producers are Christian. So I kinda take issue with that. I'm glad that you feel that way, but please keep it out of educational videos, or at least, make a point of it at the beginning. I turned completely off when you started quoting scripture.
I'm pretty bad about glancing through old junk machinery sitting in fields as I drive past, wondering what I might be able to resurrect, or at the very least get parts from. I do the same thing with old barns that are falling in, scoping out lumber and tin. Sometimes I think it might be a curse. Lol.
I get what you are saying, and it is not my intention to offend or alienate anyone. However, my beliefs, religious or otherwise, are essential to who I am. I cannot be anyone else. Thank you for sharing your thoughts regardless.
The US I grew up in was overwhelmed with Christian farmers. I hope to be like them one day. Thank you for the video Ole timer
We do it to have over abundance to help others
Wise advice. Thank you sir. Happy Thanksgiving
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!
If you live rural, then it is vital that protect your way of life from outsiders by always voting in your local elections.
YES!
Outsiders being other Americans lol
I agree! Small elections give you more voice than the big one! We just finished a year on our land and it’s been such a blessing, but it’s been tough hard work and we are learning as we go because what worked for us before, doesn’t here!
@sicnessification ... in big cities forcing their will on people and a way of life that they know nothing about.
@SilverCreekHomestead ... thank you!
Outstanding production quality!
Thank you!
Very good advice. You can truly apply this to many things in life!
Thank you!
This is a great video and great advice! I think having goals is great! We have yearly goals and seasonal goals.
Thank you! I'm actually planning to touch on that subject more in an upcoming video.
Thank you very much Sir for the video, I like it and that gave me a head up to thinks of farming in the Year 2025. Thank you sir.
This is great info. Thank you.
Thanks for the informative video 👍
My cousin and I are getting into grower pigs. We are fortunate that my dad had infrastructure/ pens here, concrete floors. As they grow we are putting electrical mesh, yes, yet to buy. Shelters will be made from a timber/steel, mesh that I have had for some time. 🇦🇺
Good luck to you!
Bor thanks ❤
This video is not really about building a farm. It does mention leasing land and starting slow. It is mainly a video of caution. What are the specific methods used in gaining customers, etc...
You're right, it's more about the hurdles involved in starting a farm than a specific how-to guide. I appreciate the feedback. I'll try to put something together that's more specific to building a market, etc.
We have just stated with pigs too. I’ve asked others because we are doing forest pigs and no commercial feed. So, what I hear is people are interested in buying meats after processing but no one wants a whole pig. Any advice on how to market?
That's a great question. In my experience, one of the best options is local social media groups and pages. Let friends, family, and neighbors know that you're going to have hogs available. Word of mouth is a powerful tool that we often forget about. Frankly, it's my favorite way to build a customer base. I've also used old-fashioned paid advertising and found success. I know of others who have had success by calling local processors and letting them know that they have pigs available if they get a call from someone who is looking to buy one. Get creative. You never know where you might find a customer.
@ thank you! Word of mouth is no doubt the best marketing. I appreciate your response!
What types of animals do you raise on your farm? We saw the pigs, cows, and chickens. Anything else? And which is the most challenging?
We also have goats and a couple miniature donkeys. The most challenging is definitely the pigs. They require more time and effort than anything else, but they're still my favorite.
@@PlaneViewFarmI would have thought that the goats were the most difficult…
@@EuSuntCEE Lol!!! The goats can be a pain, for sure. I guess what gives the pigs the edge is their importance to our overall business model. Pork is at the center of our market right now. I could haul the goats to the sale barn tomorrow and just get on with life. The pigs, not so much.
Is this a how to or a why youbshouldnt
you did a hell of a lot of talking. but forgot to start with, oh yeah first you need to have a wealthy relative that can buy you some land
Sometimes it feels that way. Land prices have more than doubled where I live since I bought my property in 2019. Ironically, I bought it from family and it barely appraised for what I paid for it. However, I can't think of a single farmer that I know personally who had a relative, wealthy or otherwise, buy land for them. I know some that have inherited what they have, but most found a way to buy what they have by working for it. I'll also point out that most of them have trade jobs and only a handful have college degrees. Thanks for watching.