6 Things to Consider before starting your own farm
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Starting a farm is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavors you can pursue, but it’s also a huge undertaking. Whether you’re dreaming of living off the land, raising animals, or growing your own food, there are many factors to consider before you dive in. Here at Dalby Farm, we’ve been farming for generations—since 1861, in fact—and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Today, we’re sharing some essential things to think about before you start your own farm. If you’re ready to take the leap into farming, these insights will help you set a strong foundation for success.
Things to Consider Before You Start Your Farm: Insights from Dalby Farm
Starting a farm is a dream for many, whether it’s for personal food security, building a sustainable business, or living a lifestyle that’s more connected to nature. But before you dive in, there’s a lot to consider. At Dalby Farm, we’ve been farming since 1861, and while my mom and I had the advantage of learning from past generations, I know that many of you are starting from scratch and may not be sure where to begin.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential things to consider before you start your own farm—from understanding your "why" to making sure your budget aligns with your vision. This is not just about the land—it’s about creating a long-term, sustainable way of life that works for you.
1. Know Your Why
Before you start buying land or equipment, it’s important to understand why you want to farm in the first place. Why do you want to start a farm? Your reason will guide nearly every decision you make as you build your farm.
At Dalby Farm, we’ve always been passionate about sustainability and raising heritage breeds. We aim to create a lifestyle that respects nature and supports the animals in our care. But your reasons might be different—you may be interested in growing food for your family, turning a hobby into a business, or supporting your local community. Whatever your reason, get clear about it because it will influence everything from how you design your farm to what practices you use.
2. Know Your Land
Not all land is created equal, and understanding the quality of your land is critical. Before jumping in, do a thorough assessment: What’s the soil quality like? Does the land drain properly? How much sunlight does it receive? And don’t forget about water sources—whether you have access to a well, irrigation, or natural water sources is crucial.
If you plan on growing crops, test the soil to see what grows best in your area and whether you’ll need to amend the soil. At Dalby Farm, we’ve spent a lot of time learning about our land—each year, we work to improve soil health and adapt our practices to suit the natural environment.
3. Choose Your Farming Style & Animal Care
Once you’ve got a clear vision of your land, think about your farming style. Are you planning to raise animals, grow crops, or do both? Animals are a huge commitment, requiring proper care, food, shelter, and attention. Whether you’re raising chickens, pigs, cows, or sheep, you need to be ready to invest time, energy, and resources to ensure their well-being.
Here at Dalby Farm, we love working with our animals, but we also recognize that it’s a lot of work. Raising animals isn’t just a business—it’s a responsibility. You need to ask yourself: Do you have the time and resources to properly care for them every day? Can you provide quality feed, healthcare, and the infrastructure they need to thrive?
4. Sustainability and Long-Term Goals
Sustainability is key, not just for the environment but for the longevity of your farm. How do you plan to integrate sustainability into your farming practices? Will you use organic farming methods, rotational grazing, or are you interested in integrating technology and automation?
At Dalby Farm, sustainability is a top priority. We rotate our grazing lands, use compost to improve soil health, and focus on reducing our carbon footprint. But sustainability isn’t just about farming techniques—it also means planning for the long term.
What are your long-term goals for your farm? Are you looking to make farming your full-time livelihood, or is it more of a side project or hobby? Are you hoping to sell products locally or build a more self-sustaining setup? Your long-term vision will shape everything from the scale of your farm to the types of animals or crops you choose to raise.
5. Budgeting and Finances
Farming isn’t cheap. It takes a significant financial investment, and the costs can quickly add up. From land acquisition to buying equipment, seeds, livestock, and covering utilities, the expenses can be overwhelming if you're not prepared.
When you’re starting out, it’s important to create a realistic budget. Take a close look at the costs involved and know what you’re getting into. At Dalby Farm, we’ve learned that keeping a close eye on finances is key. Starting small and expanding gradually helped us avoid overwhelming costs in the early years. Remember, farmers often rely on income from multiple sources, like selling eggs, meat, vegetables, or other products.
6. Build a Support Network
Farming can be a lonely venture if you try to do it all by yourself, so it's essential to build a support network. Whether it’s other farmers in your area, local organizations, or online farming communities, there’s a wealth of knowledge and support available.
Here at Dalby Farm, we’ve been fortunate to have a strong support system. Whether it’s sharing resources, offering advice, or helping with harvest, our farming community has been invaluable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others—farmers are often happy to share what they know.
Conclusion
Starting a farm is a big undertaking, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. From understanding your land and farming style to building a support network and staying on top of your finances, there’s a lot to consider. But with careful planning, patience, and a clear vision, you can create a farm that aligns with your goals.
At Dalby Farm, we’ve learned a lot over the years, and we’re excited to share our journey with you. If you’re thinking about starting your own farm, we hope this post has helped you think about some key factors before you take the leap.
Got any questions or thoughts on starting a farm? Leave us a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
About Dalby Farm
Dalby Farm has been a family-owned farm since 1861, located in the heart of Scituate, MA. We focus on preserving heritage breeds, and connecting our community back to all things nature. Follow our journey on YouTube and here on our blog for more insights on life on the farm!