How to start farming without money. Where to start farming? Farm business plan

A detailed guide on how to start a farming business. What documents are required and how much money do I need to invest? The answers are here.

Capital investments in peasant farms: from RUB 770,000

Payback period: 9-12 months

This article will discuss how to start a farm from scratch.

For those who are not yet “in the know,” then: a farm (also known as a peasant farm) is an enterprise that produces and sells agricultural products.

In the minds of many people, this definition may evoke associations with hundreds of hectares of fields, large numbers of livestock and other similar pictures.

However, any entrepreneur can organize a mini production. And running it is very profitable.

And an analysis of development trends shows that demand will only grow in the future.

What are the main activities involved in farming as a business?

Farming can be divided into several categories:

Plant growing.

A huge range of plants can be planted and sold in the Russian Federation.
But several types are especially popular:

1. various greens;
2. cereals;
3. vegetables;
4. berries and fruits.

1. Home farm (breeding).

   There are several popular directions:

   1. Cattle: cows and goats (for dairy and meat products), pigs, sheep (wool), rabbits;
   2. fish farming (trout, sturgeon, carp);
   3. birds (chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys).

2. Additional areas of farming activity.

   This is one of the strengths of farming.
   Almost any type of activity allows for additional profit.
   This is beneficial, because you use your own raw materials for production, and do not buy:

   1. vegetables, berries, fruits can be frozen and sold;
   2. dairy products can be used for the production and sale of cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, fermented baked milk;
   3. If the farm produces grain, you can make flour or bake bakery products from it.

What features does a farming business have?

To open and run a farming business profitably and legally, it is worth considering several distinctive features from other business options:

• Farming is often a family affair.

  After all, only people related by family ties and over 16 years of age can be its members.
  But don’t think that you can only open a mini farm with such a small staff.
  It is allowed to attract external workers, but no more than 5.

• Each member of the farm is obliged to take personal part in production.
• A farm can be called a farm if it produces at least 70% of agricultural products.
• The state supports farming in every possible way, so entrepreneurs can count on assistance in purchasing equipment and even receiving a plot of land for free.

How to open a farm: step-by-step instructions for collecting documents

Starting a farm is most often decided by the family.

But this does not mean that you will not need to register with the tax authorities!

Especially if you want to receive benefits or a plot of land from the state.

You can obtain the list of documents and the registration instructions themselves from the law that regulates farming (N 74-FZ of June 11, 2003).

Only after all the paperwork has been completed can you begin to organize the farm itself.

You need to start by finding a suitable piece of land, and then start solving other issues.

Analysis of the current situation in agriculture

Small businesses are now actively developing all over the world, and the Russian Federation is no exception.

We can especially highlight such areas as trade, services and private farming.

The latter demonstrates a high level of profitability and receives full support from the state.

If we evaluate the growth rate of agriculture as a whole, we can say that it is falling.

It has been replaced by technical progress and GMOs.

There are fewer and fewer able-bodied people left in the villages, and young people are not eager to devote themselves to farming.

But it is worth noting that in the wake of the craze for a healthy lifestyle, the boom in vegetarianism and raw food nutrition, the demand for farming began to grow again.

But mainly in mini production of homemade, absolutely environmentally friendly products.

This state of affairs provides excellent prospects for starting a farm.

There is no point in wasting time when competition is at a moderate level and farm demand begins to gradually increase.

How to open your own farm: choosing land for farming

The first thing that is important for an entrepreneur who decides to start a farm from scratch is a suitable plot of land.

It is not necessary to buy it at the start, especially since not everyone has the appropriate starting capital.

First, rent it.

If business activity progresses profitably, then it will be possible to return to the issue of purchasing in the future.

It is best to look for a farming area outside the city, away from any industrial facilities, major roads, or other farms.

But not at a great distance, so that farm products can be quickly and inexpensively transported to customers.

If you intend to plant plants or raise cattle, environmental friendliness and environmental safety are important.

Also, some features appear depending on the chosen area of ​​farming:

• To raise cattle, the plot of land must be large, have sufficient lawn area for grazing, and a reservoir.
• If the farm is beekeeping, there must be fields with flower stalks next to the apiary.
  Otherwise, you will have to plant them yourself.
• The presence of a pond is also important if you will be raising domestic waterfowl.

What personnel should you hire for your peasant farm?

Farming is extremely difficult, especially for a novice entrepreneur.

Therefore, even if you have all the knowledge necessary for work, a businessman needs to hire a staff of workers.

For each area of ​​activity, the list of required positions will be different.

But any farming niche related to animals cannot do without a key person - a veterinarian.

He will be involved in preventing or minimizing the main risk - diseases and quarantine of animals.

The veterinarian also allows for childbirth to be carried out at the highest level, that is, to increase the farm's livestock population naturally without purchasing costs. So investing in the best veterinarian is beneficial for an entrepreneur.

The rest of the list of hired people will look like this:

• An ordinary peasant farm mini-farm: butcher, livestock specialist, milkmaid, manager, cleaner.
• Beekeeping: depends on the number of hives, usually there is 1 beekeeper for 10 of them.
• Raising rabbits or poultry: a simple task, just hire 1-2 assistants.

  But this is only relevant for mini-farm production.
  For a business with a thousand headcount, the number of employees will be tens of times greater.

How to open a farm: points of sale of products

Homemade natural products obtained from farms are in demand by many buyers.

For example, the main product of livestock farming - meat - will be bought by restaurants, shops, and private individuals.

There is also a demand for by-products of production - wool, fluff. Although the demand for them, of course, is lower than for meat.

Also, public catering outlets and various trading companies will buy fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains.

It is worth considering that in this case, sales will occur in wholesale quantities, so the purchasing cost for customers will be lower than the usual retail price.

If for crop farming it is not difficult to trade in large quantities, then collecting sufficient volumes of honey is no longer so easy.

So if you decide to breed bees on the scale of a full-fledged business, a mini apiary will not be suitable for these purposes.

It will be necessary to purchase at least 50 bee colonies to produce the required volume of product.

Therefore, most often beekeeping is organized by the whole family - after all, it is almost impossible to maintain such a large apiary yourself.

But at the same time, farming is very profitable, the profitability level is at least 20-30%.

How much money do you need to start a farm?

An item that must be carefully calculated is the size of the investment.

After all, everyone will have their own list of expenses, and, accordingly, the amount.

Most of it will be spent on renting territory that will be suitable for your agriculture.

Also, if you choose livestock farming, a considerable amount of capital will be spent on purchasing the first batch of animals or insects (beekeeping).

One of the significant advantages is the one-time cost of starting a farm.

Almost any other business requires monthly injections of considerable amounts.

An entrepreneur invests money in a peasant farm once and then works for himself.

An approximate list of expenses for starting a peasant business looks like this:

What risks exist for farming?

Having your own farming business is definitely not the most risky activity, according to many.

However, in this area, in fact, there are many potential troubles that can ruin the economy and lead to losses.

The list for the specific selected area of ​​peasant farming will be different, but the general list includes:

• weather conditions unfavorable for plant growth,
• various natural disasters,
• pest infestations,
• diseases among livestock
• quarantine areas for animals.

How profitable is it to own a farm?

a working farmer tells us in real numbers:

How quickly will your peasant farm pay for itself?

The size of the investment from scratch will be determined by what particular sector of agriculture the entrepreneur has decided to engage in.

After all, opening from scratch will require a different list of equipment, number of personnel, type and cost of purchased consumables.

Products obtained in rural production are in demand among all segments of the population.

The fashion for an organic lifestyle that has emerged in recent years has only strengthened the growing demand for natural products.

So if the above step-by-step instructions on how to open a farm are followed by the entrepreneur point by point and he produces exceptionally high-quality goods, the peasant farm business will flourish!

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Many citizens of our country, who enjoy working on the land and caring for animals, dream of organizing their own farm. This will allow them to do what they love and at the same time earn good money. In this article we will talk about how to become a farmer from scratch and achieve success in this matter.

Registration of activities

Land is usually distributed by local governments. It is much easier for local residents to get a plot for farming than for visitors. But don't despair. If you have firmly decided that I want to become a farmer, the state welcomes such a desire and meets budding entrepreneurs halfway. In any case, you will receive land to open such a business, but for this you will have to visit any authority and spend a lot of time.

In order to register your business, you need to collect a package of documents:

• A receipt confirming payment of the state duty;
• Photocopy of passport;
• Agreement on joint activities, certified by a notary, if you are going to open a farm with partners;
• Application of the appropriate sample.

Own farm is considered a family business, but this does not mean that an entrepreneur engaged in such a business should not pay taxes. Therefore, after the registration procedure, you must register with the tax office at your place of residence.

If you are interested in how to become a farmer from scratch, videos on specialized sites on the Internet will help you understand this issue.

Selection of land

Beginners often wonder what it takes to become a farmer. First of all, this is our own land. If you rent a plot of land, at the end of the contract it may simply be taken away and your business will collapse. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase land or rent it for a long term.

A plot of land for a farm should be selected depending on its location. It is advisable that your farm be located near large cities where you can sell finished products. Also, pay special attention to the roads. They should pass directly near the farm so that you can transport the goods to customers without any problems. Another important condition is an ecologically clean area. This is especially true for farmers who intend to raise cattle.

Choosing a direction of activity

Let's figure out how to become a farmer, where to start your business and how to properly distribute financial flows? The primary task that every novice entrepreneur faces is the choice of the direction of work. In this case, a lot depends on self-confidence, as well as on personal preferences.

Farming is considered a very risky type of business, since adverse weather conditions, the death of animals as a result of diseases or fires, can lead the entrepreneur to complete ruin. But recently, the state has begun to provide assistance to farmers, so they can get support in a difficult situation and restore their economy. To understand how to become a successful farmer from scratch, you need to read as much thematic literature as possible and attend various seminars on the development of agriculture.

Let's take a closer look at several of the most popular and profitable areas of activity:

Sheep breeding

Meat is considered one of the most valuable food products, so many novice farmers breed and keep sheep at home. Fresh lamb is bought by restaurants, cafes, shops and individuals. To make a good profit, you need to keep a herd of 500 heads. To organize such a farm you will need 2-3 million rubles. In 2-3 years, all expenses will be recouped, and the company will achieve high net income.

Breeding peacocks

This bird is not afraid of cold weather and rain, it acclimatizes well and is quite unpretentious to its living conditions. Experts believe that this is a very profitable business, the profitability of which reaches 50%.

During the molting period, feathers worth $40-80 can be sold from one bird. Abroad, such products are even more expensive. For example, in France, one white male per year brings the breeder a profit of about 150 euros. You can also make a good profit from selling this bird. Peacocks are bought with pleasure by the owners of country mansions who want to decorate their garden with exotic birds. One adult costs approximately 3 thousand dollars. Breeding peacocks is the easiest way to become a successful farmer in a short time.

Horse breeding

It is worth noting that this is a rather complicated and time-consuming task that will require a lot of effort and large financial investments from you. If you are not afraid of difficulties and are confident in your abilities, feel free to get to work. The profitability of this business exceeds 300%, so after a certain time, you will make excellent profits. Since this line of business is associated with high risks and has a long payback period, this business is mainly run by wealthy people or enthusiasts who have the necessary knowledge and experience in this field.

Mink breeding

Almost every woman dreams of purchasing a mink coat. The fur of these fur-bearing animals is expensive, so it is considered a very profitable business. To succeed in this business, before starting work, you need to carefully calculate all expenses and future profits.

A whole mink skin costs about 2 thousand rubles. A live animal can be bought for 700–800 rubles. If you take away all expenses, a farmer can earn 1–1.5 million rubles from mink breeding in a year. All financial investments pay off in 1.5–2 years. The most important thing is to properly care for the animals, otherwise they will die and the enterprise will go bankrupt.

Cow breeding

According to experts, this is a highly profitable and quite promising area of ​​activity. In addition, such a business will not require large capital investments. This is a great option for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in how to become a farmer when there is little money. Raising cows for meat brings less profit than dairy farming, and both activities will not require any extraordinary costs from the owner of the enterprise. The initial investment pays off in 1.5–2 years, after which you can begin expanding the farm to increase its level of profitability.

Raising bulls

In rural areas, you can organize literally from scratch. The most important advantage of this line of activity is the small financial investment. But to get a positive result, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort, since these animals require regular care. Such a business pays for itself in about 2 years. Finished products can be sold in bulk to supermarkets, restaurants or markets.

Duck breeding

Duck meat has excellent taste, which is why such products are in great demand among domestic consumers. If you decide to start a business, agree on the supply of fresh meat with the owners of cafes or restaurants and deliver. Over time, you will have regular customers who will purchase products in bulk.

Raising geese

Experts believe that this is a waste-free production, since you can sell not only the meat of this bird, but also eggs, down, feathers and fat. In addition, the well-known and beloved delicacy foie gras is prepared from goose liver. In order to get a fatty tasty liver, the bird needs to be fed according to a special technology. Even a beginner can open such a business, since geese do not require special care and have excellent immunity. This is a great option for those who are interested in how to become a successful farmer from scratch without any experience in this field.

Raising pigs

Pig farming in our country is developing very slowly. It is not profitable for small entrepreneurs to engage in business, since such a business is not highly profitable. Recently, the state has begun to pay special attention to the development of pig farming and provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs who have chosen this line of activity. Therefore, if you decide that I want to become a farmer, then this business should be started by receiving a government subsidy for organizing a pig farm.

Growing zucchini

If you strictly follow the technology, just like growing pumpkins, you can turn it into a fairly profitable promising business. Although these crops do not require special care, they do need regular watering. In addition, you need to choose the right area for sowing and purchase high-quality seeds. Finished products can be sold to wholesale warehouses, vegetable markets and canneries.

Growing melons

If you are interested, before doing this, carefully study the technology. In addition, you need to choose the right variety. To sow a plot of land with an area of ​​100 square meters. meters, you will need 200–300 g of seeds, the cost of which is approximately 800 rubles. To these costs should be added another 500–700 rubles for the purchase of tools for weeding, fertilizer and watering. If you sell the entire harvest at wholesale prices, you can get an income of 20–40 thousand rubles per 100 square meters. meters.

Growing remontant strawberries

Beginning farmers can organize. During the active season, you can collect up to 2 kg of berries from one bush. They are packaged in 200 g plastic cups, wrapped in plastic wrap and sold for 10 rubles. Accordingly, the profit from one bush is 100 rubles. For 1 sq. meters, about 60 bushes of remontant strawberries fit, this is 6 thousand rubles of income. To earn 100 thousand rubles, it is enough to plant a personal plot of 15-16 square meters. meters.

Growing eggplants and bell peppers

Before you start growing bell peppers, you need to carefully calculate everything in order to take into account all the costs and prevent possible risks. Since such products cannot be stored for a long time, it is advisable to find reliable markets in advance.

To increase profits, you can also grow eggplants in a greenhouse. Thanks to this, you will be able to get an early harvest and sell it at a high price.

Advantages and disadvantages of farming business

Like any other area of ​​entrepreneurial activity, agricultural business has its disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, before becoming a farmer in Russia, you need to familiarize yourself with each of them in more detail and draw certain conclusions.

Advantages

• Since farms are located in rural areas, you will have an excellent opportunity to constantly be in the fresh air, which is very good for your health;
• Farmers and their families eat organic food that they grow with their own hands. This is one of the main advantages of farming because no amount of money can buy health;
• Most often, entrepreneurs organize family farms, that is, each family member has their own responsibilities. This is very profitable and convenient, since in this case you will not have to hire workers and pay them wages;
• Farms can count on tax benefits.

Flaws

• Your own farm requires large investments, so before becoming a novice farmer, you need to objectively assess your financial capabilities;
• Many types of agricultural businesses break even after a few years, so you must be prepared for the fact that your farm will not generate any profit for a long time;
• Natural disasters, diseases and epidemics can ruin even an experienced farmer at any time. This is the biggest disadvantage of agricultural business.

conclusions

Now you know how to become a farmer in Russia. This is a rather complex, but at the same time very profitable line of business. A person who is interested must realize that in order to achieve success he will have to work hard. If you take your business seriously, it will prosper and bring in a decent income.

The state strongly supports entrepreneurs who are engaged in agriculture, so this niche has begun to attract many newcomers. Farming has many advantages - wide markets, high income and quick payback. In this article we will tell you how to become a farmer from scratch in our country.

Development prospects

From scratch in Russia is one of the most promising areas of activity for beginners living in rural areas. This is due to the following factors:

• First of all, this is assistance from the state to farmers. Subject to certain conditions, any newcomer can receive a free subsidy, grant or tax breaks as support for his newly created farm;
• Constantly rising food prices. This has a positive effect on the profitability of farms;
• Farm products are always in demand in the market because they are essential goods;
• Domestic producers do not experience any restrictions on access to the market;
• In this area, new areas of activity are constantly emerging, for example, breeding ostriches or pheasants;
• Wide markets.

Business ideas 2019 with minimal investment in rural areas are the ideal basis for the development of a large-scale enterprise. If you are responsible for your work and manage to create a competent development strategy, the farm will bring significant income.

Growing mushrooms

Experienced businessmen often have to answer the question of how to become a farmer from scratch and where to start. They advise that before choosing an idea, you need to highlight the main aspects:

• Possibility of quick learning;
• Minimum starting capital;
• Fast payback;
• Great demand for products.

Fits all these parameters. This idea has many advantages and allows you to make good profits. Mushrooms do not require much attention, so growing them will not take up much of your time.

If you have decided to become a farmer and are wondering where to start, then first of all you need to calculate future costs. The size of the starting capital largely depends on the scale of production, the variety of mushrooms you will grow and the cost of the seed. Let's try to calculate how much money will be needed for one cycle of champignon production in a small farm:

• Production of 30 tons of compost – 20 thousand rubles;
• Mycelium – 10 thousand rubles;
• Heating – 50 thousand rubles.
• Total: 80 thousand rubles.

From 1 ton of compost you can harvest 200 kg of champignons at 100 rubles per 1 kg. With 30 tons you will get 6 tons of mushrooms, worth 600 thousand rubles. If you are now interested in how to become a farmer from scratch without spending money, you can start growing mushrooms in small quantities, for example, in your country house or in the basement of a private house. Invest the money you earn in the development of your enterprise and over time you will be able to achieve great success.

Growing vegetables in a greenhouse

Everyone knows that the vegetables sold in stores in winter are grown in greenhouses. Sky-high prices are set for such products, and the manufacturer receives the bulk of the money from their sales. Based on this, it can be argued that owning a greenhouse farm is a great idea how to become a farmer from scratch in the Crimea and get help from the state.

It is desirable that your farm is located near markets, for example, in the near suburbs. Do not forget to provide convenient access roads for the removal of finished products. How to build a polycarbonate greenhouse with your own hands for winter cultivation can be found from experts or from thematic literature.

Before you become a farmer from scratch in the field of vegetable growing, carefully consider where you will take the finished product. The easiest option is to sell the crop through wholesalers, but they offer low prices, so the profit from growing vegetables will be insignificant. Another option is retail. In this case, you will have to equip a retail outlet and hire a salesperson. Many farmers sell their finished products to restaurants and processing plants.

The profitability of this business largely depends on climatic conditions and the choice of crop. It is most profitable to focus on expensive goods, since in the summer many vegetables are grown in open ground and their prices decrease significantly during the season. In this regard, your costs for greenhouse cultivation may not be recouped. Once you have a net income, you can think about how to become a vegetable farmer on a larger scale.

Production of organic products

Recently, the demand for organic products has begun to grow. Many entrepreneurs make good money from this. If you have your own plot of land and are interested in becoming a farmer from scratch, farming may be the perfect idea to get started. Its main advantage is its low barrier to entry. A small eco-farm can be organized on your own personal plot. This is the easiest way to become a novice farmer.

The production of organic products is one of the most promising niches on the market. If you are attracted to this line of work, you should not completely rely on your own knowledge and intuition. Before becoming a farmer in Russia from scratch in the field of organic farming, consult with a qualified specialist. He will tell you which crops are best to grow in your region and how to properly care for them. If you choose the planting time wisely, you can harvest two crops in one season. For example, first you sow radishes, which ripen in 40 days, after which you plant tomatoes or peppers in its place. Proper selection of crops will allow you to increase your income significantly.

Breeding Vietnamese pigs

Wondering how to become a pig farmer? This area of ​​activity has broad development prospects. High-quality fresh meat is always in demand on the market, so its prices are consistently high. Pig farming attracts many farmers due to the simplicity of the technological process. All you need to do is raise pigs and sell the meat. The only obstacle is large financial investments.

If you do not have a large start-up capital, start by breeding Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. This breed has many advantages over ordinary white pigs:

• Due to their high immunity, animals do not need regular vaccinations;
• Vietnamese pigs are herbivores, so you don’t have to buy a lot of expensive grain feed to raise them;
• Females reach sexual maturity at 4 months, and males at 6 months;
• Great fertility.

If you don’t know anything about pig farming, contact entrepreneurs who have been involved in this business for a long time. They will tell you how to become a farmer from scratch and what you need to do for this. Experienced breeders believe that breeding is more profitable than meat. All investments pay off literally after the first litter. Since piglets can be sold at 3-4 weeks of age, you will spend virtually nothing on their care. The most important thing is a responsible attitude and hard work; success is guaranteed to you.

Raising bulls for meat

Rural residents often ask how to become a farmer from scratch and whether they provide initial capital if they turn to the state for help. If you provide a competent business plan and can convince the commission that your activities will really bring benefits, in principle you can count on financial support. But this does not mean that you can start without having your own money. Before becoming a farmer in Russia, you need to put together at least a small start-up capital or start with the simplest ideas, for example, growing vegetables in your own backyard.

Now let's talk about how to become a farmer from scratch in the field of livestock farming. For example, you can start breeding bulls for meat. If you have enough money to raise 10 calves, you should not chase a high income and take 20 calves for fattening. Do not forget that young bulls cannot be kept without walking. When the animals become adults, it is better to keep them in a barn or under a canopy, since grown bulls can pose a danger to others. In order for animals to quickly gain weight, you need to include juicy and grain feeds in their diet. When the bulls gain a weight of 300-350 kg, they can be sold for 40-45 thousand rubles. As you can see, this is quite a profitable business, but before you become a farmer from scratch in the field of livestock breeding, you need to prepare for the fact that the business will take a lot of effort and time from you, since animals require care and attention.

Growing remontant raspberries

What to do in the village to earn money? A good business idea is growing raspberries. It is suitable for anyone who has a small plot of land. The amount of starting capital depends on the choice of raspberry variety. In any case, the implementation of such a project will not require large financial investments. True, such a business is seasonal, but if you work hard, you can get a good addition to the family budget.

- this is a simple but rather troublesome task. It is necessary to make trellises that will support the branches. In addition, you will have to regularly remove young growth and weeds. If you don't take care of your raspberries, they will start to grow wild. Income largely depends on both demand and the market price for this product. Raspberries can be sold in bulk to shops and processing plants, or sold on the market at a retail price. Or combine all these options for selling finished products.

According to experts, growing raspberries is the easiest way to become a farmer from scratch in the field of crop production. The profitability of growing remontant raspberries reaches 65%. All initial investments pay off in 3.5 years. If you want to increase your income, you can sell cuttings and shoots.

Geese breeding

A great idea on how to become a successful farmer from scratch in our country. This is a fairly profitable business that does not require significant financial investments.

Let's try to figure out how to become a farmer and where to start? First of all, you will need a room with an area of ​​150 square meters. meters. It can contain 1000 birds. It should be insulated, as geese can get frostbite on their paws or beaks. The construction of such a premises will be too expensive, so it is better to rent some abandoned poultry house.

The biggest costs are the purchase of young animals and feed. If you do not have your own funds, ask your local administration how to become a farmer from scratch and receive a subsidy from the state. Such financial assistance can be a good basis for the development of your business.

To summarize, I would like to note the following: if you have experience in the field of poultry breeding and have in mind an abandoned poultry house with an adjacent plot of land and a small pond, you can safely start breeding geese. This is one of the simplest and most profitable options on how to become a farmer from scratch in 2019.

Breeding laying hens for eggs

Let's think again about how you can make money in the village? There are many ideas that can be successfully implemented in rural areas. The simplest of them is raising chickens. If you create good conditions for laying hens, from a hundred heads you will receive 80–85 eggs daily. In addition, you can sell chicken manure. It is used as a fertilizer for plants. When the chickens begin to produce fewer eggs, they can be slaughtered and sold, and the proceeds can be used to buy chickens again.

It will not require any serious financial or time expenditure from you. The bird needs to be fed and watered on time, and droppings must be cleaned up after them. You will spend no more than two hours a day on all this. This is all you need to become a farmer in this area. There are usually no problems with the sale of eggs, since this product is always in demand on the market.

"Farmers start farms for the love of farming. They love watching plants grow. They love being around animals. They love working outdoors. They love any kind of weather, even inclement weather." - Wendell Berry.

So you want to become a farmer, but have never raised crops or livestock in your life? There is no need to worry - this article will help you get started on the path to your dream of becoming a farmer.

Steps

Part 1

Learn farming

Clearly decide for yourself why you are interested in farming. This is hard work, requiring a high level of responsibility, and definitely does not belong in the category of easy money making enterprises. This industry is deeply rooted in tradition. If you have never had farming and farming experience and still want to become a farmer, expect a lot of bewildered surprise from farmers and non-farmers alike. Be prepared to confidently answer the question: “Why do you want to do this?”

• Be prepared for criticism and ridicule. At the same time, most people in the farming community are happy to share their advice and support with those just starting out in the field.

1. Choose which type of farming you want to do. In most cases, any farming specialization can be classified into one of two types. The first is the cultivation of agricultural crops, such as: grain crops (oilseeds, cereals, legumes), orchards, berry farms, vineyards, vegetables, wheat and silage. The second is animal husbandry, or the raising of beef or dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, horses, sheep, bees, or exotic animals. Organic farming is another subsection of agriculture and livestock farming that specializes in alternative production methods.

   • Commercial/industrial farms typically include multiple operations to support the main type of production. For example, a dairy farm cannot be profitable without support from silage and grain production. Farms that specialize exclusively in growing grains use a rotation system, growing a minimum of two grains per season, rotating oilseeds, grains and legumes annually to meet market demand. There is a common belief that the larger the farm, the fewer sectors or ancillary businesses it operates. However, this is not always the case and you should not worry about it in the process of your own choice. You can completely decide for yourself which sectors you would like to include in your farm.
   • Many family farms - large or small - involve at least five types of production. Family farms are usually a type of mixed farm where production includes both growing crops and raising livestock.

2. Talk to experienced farmers. Try to find farms that are close in character to what you want. Ask around and perhaps you could visit one of these farms. Do some research online to see if there is a local farm themed fair planned in your area. Be sure to attend such an event - there you can find serious and active manufacturers with whom it will be useful for you to communicate.

   • Ask them various questions about what they do (what their process involves), how their farm has changed over time, what developments they envision in their sector, and ask permission to visit them on the farm. Farmers are generally friendly, humble and welcoming people, although some may be more reserved than others.
   • Farmers' markets are also a great place to meet farmers, especially those who have a narrow specialization of their farming (goat cheese, berries, etc.).

3. Do your homework. Read books that discuss the type of farm you want to create. Search the Internet for articles and forums on farming. Online forums are a great resource for sharing experiences with farming experts.

   • As you do your research, determine what skills you will need to successfully run your farming operation. What is the market for your product? How suitable is your area of ​​residence for this type of farming?

4. Take a class on farming. There are several ways to obtain the necessary information through training. One of the most common ways is to attend university and study agriculture, agricultural economics and management. Of course, a university education is not necessary to become a farmer. Look online for advertisements for seminars and other classes on topics that interest you.

   • Modern farmers are essentially entrepreneurs. They have to in order to survive. Understanding agricultural economics and farming policies will help you reach higher levels of production.

5. Consider your possible relocation options. Some regions are more conducive to farming success than others, and different areas are more suitable for different sectors of the economy. Find out where the best place to set up the type of farm you want is and research the farms that already exist there. Or find out what farms already exist in the area you're interested in to decide if it's right for your type of farm.

   Part 2

   Get first-hand experience

   1. Get trained by offering your services as a worker on an existing farm. This is one of the key steps towards becoming a farmer, as it is an opportunity to work in exchange for the opportunity to learn and gain the necessary experience as a hired worker. Since you're just starting out, as in most professions, it's a good idea to start at the bottom. There are several ways to get started on a farm. :

      Be prepared for the fact that this may not be a very profitable business. Pay for farm workers is often extremely low. Many jobs are purely seasonal (usually during the summer). In winter it is almost impossible to find such a job.

      Demonstrate your desire to learn. Watch what experienced people do and ask them to teach you; often you will even have to simply ask why they do what they do. During your first year on the farm, your learning curve will skyrocket and you will gain experience in the areas of knowledge of how to change the oil on a tractor, how to fix a combine, how to prepare a cow for milking, how to prepare hay, how to feed cattle, and even how to tell the difference. wheat from barley.

      • You should not expect that you can become a farmer without understanding the skills, knowledge and technical aspects of farming processes. The best teacher is known to be experience. The books and articles on our site can only give you a general idea; A real farming experience awaits you ahead.

   2. Be flexible and open to new activities. You must be prepared to do any work that your farm may require of you. Many activities will require you to learn (and a lot of manual labor). If there are activities that you fundamentally do not want to do, voice this and realize that this will become your limitation. However, if, for example, you are not prepared to euthanize a sick or dying animal, you may be missing the point - namely, the understanding that by doing so you are doing good and saving the animal from suffering. These types of questions may include (and this is not an exhaustive list):

      • Cleaning stables and barnyards.
      • Working on a high ladder or roof.
      • Operate equipment such as a tractor, combine or harvester.
      • Extermination of rodents, such as rats and rabbits.
      • Protection from wild animals.
      • Compliance with the feeding or milking schedule.
      • Sowing or harvesting for 12 hours straight with little or no breaks.
      • Use of pesticides on the field.
      • Slaughter and butchering of livestock.
      • Euthanasia of sick animals.
      • Repair and maintenance of equipment, treatment of sick animals, etc.

   3. Much of the farm work requires bending, lifting, pulling, hauling and throwing. Only farm managers can sometimes avoid hard work, but they too often have to work to the limit of their capabilities.

      • Don't shy away from getting familiar with technology. Understand as many different types of farm equipment as possible. Learn how to use them, how to ensure safety, how to store, operate and repair them. Even the smallest farms typically rely on a walk-behind tractor and a small tractor.

   4. Dress appropriately. It may sound strange, but showing up to a farm in a suit and shoes is akin to showing up for an interview at a law firm in jeans and sneakers. At the very beginning of the development of the farm, you will have to do a lot of physical labor. Wear comfortable, loose, warm clothing and waterproof shoes.

      • Don't skimp on good gloves, because without them your hands will soon turn into a gallery of scratches, bruises, calluses, splinters and other troubles. In addition, wearing gloves will keep your hands from getting too dirty.
      • If you have long hair, put it in a ponytail and hide it under a hat, which is also designed to protect you from sunburn.

   5. Treat everything with a good sense of humor. Thanks to laughter, the day goes by faster, especially if all your muscles hurt, your fingers are about to fall off, and the weather has once again ruined all your plans. Positive thinking is an investment in any farm!

How to become a farmer from scratch

The ideal option for such people would be to create their own farm, which will provide a life in nature with a good income.

If you decide to become a farmer, first of all, you need to choose your field of activity.

According to the ways of selling products, farms are divided into:

• Farms that are designed to provide food to a small group of people. This group includes dachas where retirees grow food for themselves and their families.
• Farms that specialize in several industries and consume the bulk of their products for their own needs. Often these are parts of large enterprises, the products of which are used for further processing.
• Highly specialized farms that sell products directly on the market or through consumer cooperation.

If farmers from the first group can afford to grow whatever they want, then the remaining farmers need to concentrate on one thing, since production volumes are much larger and often require specific equipment.
It is a good idea to become familiar with the agricultural region where your farm will be located and the nearby industries.

For example, many meat processing enterprises are interested in creating new farms for the purpose of wholesale purchase of meat. By reaching an agreement with the directors of such enterprises, you can not only find a buyer for your future products, but also, possibly, a sponsor who, under certain mutually beneficial conditions, will help implement your project.

How to become a farmer - where to start

If you have chosen a field of activity, familiarize yourself with all the features and subtleties of this specialization.

• Contact experts in this field,
• talk to teachers at agricultural universities,
• read books related to the specifics of the work.

Farming, like any other field of activity, has a huge number of features and pitfalls. It's better to familiarize yourself with them in advance.

When choosing a location for a farm, it is also best to talk to geologists, architects (if you plan to build additional buildings) and land owners nearby. If you fail to meet these conditions, you may buy land that is simply unsuitable for your chosen field of activity.

Another important factor is the legal side of farming. Each country has its own peculiarities of legal regulation of farming, in Russia these are: 1, Article 19 of Federal Law No. 74-FZ.

Becoming a farmer - advantages of being a farmer

• Good earnings - due to the fact that now most people strive to live in the city - agriculture remains a very popular field of activity. In addition, the villages have very cheap labor.
• Living in nature is perfect for those who are tired of city life.
• Your own clean and environmentally friendly product - you control the production yourself, which guarantees the purity of the product from dangerous fertilizers and GMOs

Becoming a Farmer - Disadvantages of Being a Farmer

• Capital investment - creating a farm that will make a profit requires a certain amount of money.
• Hard work requires a huge amount of effort and time. This factor plays a role if you decide to maintain the farm yourself without hired labor.
• Requires specific knowledge and work experience.

Farming can be both a hobby and a means of earning money. In any case, this is a rather difficult field of activity that requires good preparation, dedication and time.