any ideas?

[PeytonM]

Ok so I”ll admit it I’m pretty young, (20) and alot of this just maybe talk but maybe someone could help.

Is there any way you can make enough money to take care of your self on a farm? like just raising beef and not milking cows?

I’m going to school for welding and I’m about done and I just like the simple way of life alot more… I don’t need to be rich, I just need enough money to take care of my self and wife and kids when I find them…
thanks for the help

[dominiquer60]

You can make enough money on a farm to take care of yourself, but you really need to focus on retail dollars, not wholesale dollars. Don’t send a finished steer to the auction when you can make so much more on selling cuts if you have a decent direct market for such products. And if you don’t have a good way to get rid of cuts of beef, make one. The biggest limiting factors are reducing your costs (think grazing instead of buying grain) and marketing. You can do it if you keep an open mind, educate yourself and promote a quality product.

[PeytonM]

how do you over take all the high dollar experiences at the start of it? If I did do it I would be on a small farm ( my folks) and land is by no means cheap… It isn’t like I’ve been out working for a long time doing things, I would slowly start to buy cattle and stuff and then I can slowly expand as far as land would go.

[Robert MoonShadow]

@dominiquer60 33735 wrote:

You can make enough money on a farm to take care of yourself, but you really need to focus on retail dollars, not wholesale dollars. Don’t send a finished steer to the auction when you can make so much more on selling cuts if you have a decent direct market for such products. And if you don’t have a good way to get rid of cuts of beef, make one. The biggest limiting factors are reducing your costs (think grazing instead of buying grain) and marketing. You can do it if you keep an open mind, educate yourself and promote a quality product.

Well said! I especially like that phrase: “if you don’t have a good way to get rid of cuts of beef, make one.” — points out the attitude needed, methinks.

[nihiljohn]

Peyton.The Motor Boat Principle! You can only change directions in a motor boat while it is in gear and going forward. You are going forward. You have gone to school and will have a trade. Now get a job. Find a place. It doesnt need to be “THE” place. Just a place to start. Start with a shop. You’re a welder. You can build and fix stuff. Plant a garden. Sell some stuff to the guys at work. A few free range eggs in the break room fridge every week. “These eggs are from hens that get GMO free grain.” Loyde doesnt know what GMO is? Explain it to him. Read, look, learn, try stuff. There is no right answer. There are 1,000’s of right answers. You’re young. You have time to make lots of mistakes. I know. I’m old and I havent made all of mine yet because I still try new things every year. Go forth and prosper. Oh, and that lady you are looking for, dont go down to the mall and stand outside THE GAP. She isnt there. Try down at the local livestock sale, farmers market, and such places. Good luck.

[PeytonM]

Well I tell you I don’t go to the mall but twice a year once for hunting once for boots woman I’d like wears a ring so i’ll just have to keep looking

[dominiquer60]

Starting small somewhere is a good point of entry into farming. It is good too that you have a trade. I have been working the last 10 years on various farms and have a good feeling for that trade, but in the mean time I have my own business and use it to accumulate start up capital. I now have some knowledge, some equipment and something of a savings account, but am still looking for the right place and man (sorry you are too young:)) It will come in time.

Take every opportunity you can to go to workshops, other peoples farms, conferences and such. I have a couple friends that started farming right out of high school and their biggest regret is not taking the time to visit other farms for an extended time to see what other farmers are doing, it would have taken some of the guess work out of it and given them some mentors to consult with. I hated the thought of “marketing” but with the retail dollar it is important to have a handle with how to interact with customers and how to attract more of them. So don’t be intimidated by marketing it is vital, and if you are lucky your local extension or other Ag organizations will have workshops about this topic.

And as far as that girl, going to workshops and other farm related places and events (or what ever activities you are into), it is the best way to meet someone that has similar interests.

Best of Luck,

[Billy Foster]

My advice is:
Listen to people that are successfully doing what you want to do.
Don’t try to reinvent the “wheel”, just do what those experts say.
My method for conquering the unknown is to ask questions and do research; when I find common answers from several different resources then I trust it as truth.
Don’t embarrass yourself by making excuses
Work harder than anyone you know

[Kevin Cunningham]

@Billy Foster 33813 wrote:

Work harder than anyone you know

I like this part. And remember that work is not a four letter word. It can be hard, troublesome, tedious, unappreciated, and undervalued, but work that is enjoyed is not a curse.

[PeytonM]

Im not a convention type of person I have to go to them all the time for school and the only reason I do is to get my name out there to get a job when im done with school.

A friend I went to highschool with milks his own herd of cows, he worked for a neighbors that had 2 barns, they split everything 50/50, they each had the same number of cows milking at all times now he’s at his dads place with a single 12 parlor I know his dad helped out alot esp with the parlor.

[Gabe Ayers]

Peyton-
I would echo much of what has been said here, and I would add one more thing. Our small farm is a lifestyle choice as much as an economic one. Much of the value our farm brings for us cannot be measured on any bottom line. We love this life, despite the facthat there are a million other ways to make more money with way less effort. We do generate income from selling meat and eggs, logging with horses, and shearing sheep, but my wife works off the farm. That steady income which does not depend on the weather is what keeps us afloat when the farm income is slim. My farm income tends to come in fits and spurts, and some months we are flush and some months we are not. I do think it is easier to start you own small operation if one of the two has some income that is not necessarily tied to the farm. Not that you can’t both farm full time, but I think it is more difficult is some ways…just my cent and a half. Good luck!
-Brad

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