Why Is Everyone Suddenly Starting a Hobby Farm?
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Over the past few years, homeowners have had a renewed interest in making the most of their outdoor spaces. People want more patios, plants, gardens, and now even hobby farms. And you’ll have no problem finding tons of videos on TikTok about hobby farms for beginners, often from people who have a newfound passion for reconnecting to the land. So you’re probably curious about what is a hobby farm in the first place. According to Wikipedia, it's “a small farm that is maintained without expectation of being a primary source of income. Some are managed as working farms for a secondary income or a lifestyle choice to reconnect with the land for pleasure.” Think of a hobby farm as your new agro side hustle.
Most hobby farms are ten acres or less, you need to land to grow a sustainable crop for your family and enough land to grow food or raise livestock for additional profit. Below we'll outline the essentials you need to start a hobby farm and how to make an income from it.
What Do I Need to Start a Hobby Farm?
To start a hobby farm there are a lot of different tools you need. And the number of items will vary based on what type of farm you want to create. Your list will be much different if you want to grow fruit and vegetables versus keeping livestock or bees. Below are some essential tools for beginners according to Hobbyfarm.com.
Pick-up truck
Compact tractor
Livestock trailer
Handcart
Manure spreader
Composter
Electrical tools
Garden tools
Fencing tools
How Do I Start a Hobby Farm?
Before you buy acres of land, define what type of lifestyle you want. Will your farm have livestock and vegetables? Research how much land is required for livestock to thrive—most small animals like goats or chickens can live on an acre of land. If you plan to grow vegetables or sell eggs, start small. Go to your local farmer's market to learn how locals buy and sell too. Remember, your farm can always grow and evolve over time.
How Can I Make Money from a Hobby Farm?
It’s important to note that a hobby farm is your side hustle. This is a secondary income to add to your existing job—similar to an Airbnb on your property. Below are a few ways to profit from your farm:
Sell eggs
Sell honey or bee colony
Sell seeds
Sell compost from livestock
Provide horseback riding lessons
But the most profitable option is to sell microgreens, which are super greens. Unlike other crops, you can grow microgreens in a small 10" x 20" growing tray you can pick up from your local nursery. Microgreens grow quickly and can be sold for $25-$50 per pound. Plus, you can grow them year-round for a steady income. Read more about growing and selling microgreens from Clive Woods, the author of Microgreens: The Insider's Secrets To Growing Gourmet Greens & Building A Wildly Successful Microgreen Business.
With the tools above and networking with other local farmers in your area, you can make a hobby farm a reality and gain some extra cash while you are at it too.
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