Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Getting started in farming is not easy. This includes many factors: where do you want to farm, how, what do you want to grow, and how big you want the farm. There is a lot to consider, and even though this is a how-to guide, the rest is entirely up to you.

Steps

1. 1 Plan. You must have a work or business plan before buying or starting your farm. Make sure to consider and write down the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and threats (called the SWOT analysis). Also note where you are now, where you would like to be, and how you would like to get there. Additional personal and commercial goals and objectives, financial, market goals and aspirations should also be recorded.
   • Before you go any further and start farming, consider the farm you are about to buy or inherit, take a closer look at the land and the farm's disadvantages, benefits, and areas of possible improvement. Draw a map of the entire farm at its current location. Draw another map of the same farm if desired, and draw the layout in the position you see it in the next 10 years of your farming business.
2. 2 Land and climate. Land is the basis of how, where, and what you will cultivate.
   • Look at the pronounced features, contours and terrain of the land.
   • Study the land or take a soil sample to know what it is and how best to use it: for growing crops or raising livestock.
   • Pay attention to the local vegetation around the farm, especially grasses if you plan to use the farm to raise livestock.
   • Talk to other farmers as an owner who sells his land (if you are buying a farm and not inheriting it from your parents or close relatives) in order to get information about what types of crops he is growing (if he is growing something) when he sows when watering and when harvesting. If the area is used for pasture only, analyze the forage plants along with the soil test.
   • Contact your local government and view various reports on the different climatic conditions that the area in which you will be farming has been over the years.
     • Only do this if you are unfamiliar with the location or after you have spoken to the seller and neighbors.
3. 3 Capital. If the farm you are looking to buy does not have the appropriate outbuildings, planning and building the farm can make all your wishes come true. But sometimes many buildings may just need renovation, while others may have to be demolished as they are dilapidated and too old to be completely unusable.
   • If you are going to be involved in farming, make sure you have all the equipment you need to seed the land and harvest the crops that you are ready to plant and grow. Such a thing as a tractor is essential.
   • On the other hand, if you buy a livestock farm and continue the activity in the same location, outbuildings may need attention as well as fences, handling equipment, water sources and installations, feeding equipment. ... Chances are, you will want to relocate the current fences, put in new fences, restore pastures and create a more natural habitat for animals that has been degraded over the years by management negligence.
4. 4 End of the start-up phase. You need to know which crops are best for sowing, and which fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides should be used in that crop. Be ready to adapt quickly and learn as you go. As for livestock, now is the time to acquire your animals. Make sure you start with breeding animals. Follow through with everything that you have planned and done up to this point, as this will most likely be your business impetus.
   • Be responsible in choosing the animals you buy. If you have purchased a herd for breeding, only one healthy male for several females is most optimal. For example, a bull is able to serve up to 50 cows at a time. A hog can serve 20 pigs, one ram or goat - 20 - 25 females. If you are starting with a small number of cows, do not buy one bull per cow! It is also suitable for breeding other livestock. It is best to choose only 2 or 3 cows, or hire a bull. It is also suitable for pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, horses, etc.
   • But be prepared for the unexpected. Always review your business plan and make changes as needed; new ideas, new thoughts and new challenges.

Tips

• If you need help or advice, don't be afraid to ask someone.
• Do not forget about Murphy's Law: "If there is a possibility that some kind of trouble can happen, then it will definitely happen."
• Start small and move slowly. If you want to avoid debt and bankruptcy, don't do what you would like to do in the first few years of your start. Move it back for 5 years, or even 10. If you have a large piece of land to look after, you may want to rent out some part for the first 5 years, or so until you have another part of the land you want it.
• Always be prepared for the unexpected. You never know what is going to happen while you start your farming business.
• Know your market, whether it's for livestock or grain. You need to know when to buy and sell, and who is buying and selling.
• Create a budget before you start and think about using a loan to start your farm.
• Don't buy the most expensive new-found equipment. This is a surefire way to sink into debt.There are auctions where you can buy a variety of equipment, which are generally cheaper, depending on who is bidding and how much.
• Don't take everything for granted. Always be mindful of your surroundings, what you are doing and what you are feeling at the moment.

Warnings

• Keeping a budget is a good way to prevent spending with all of your upfront costs.
• Your start-up costs will be greater than your profits for the first few years of your farming business. Don't exceed your costs and you won't be in a crisis.
• Do not fill your head with a lot of things. This can throw you out of tune, or lead to problems at work, and even to trouble with the bank and your own inattention.