Hobby Farms Forums / Hobby Farms Forum / Hobby Farms Discussions

still looking for hobby farm

stevemaharry — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:55:08 GMT

I'm still looking for a hobby farm in north dakota. In the county of cass. I'm lookong for a run down small farm that has not been used for some time. It does not matter if the land is not too good. I would prefer poor soil conditions. Since I will be doing alot of experiements with natural fertilizers and also lots of hydroponics. Looking to make some sort of deal for the land. I would need atleast 10 acres up to 20 acres. The house or other buildings can be very rundown. I am a fairly good handyman.

when to start planting?

pygmy jenny — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:36:20 GMT

hi i wanted to know when do i start putting plants in the ground i will be useing seed's in michigan when do you start growing your plants tomato's and cucumber's and soo on. if someone could help me out that would be great

Keeping Sparrows out of Barn

PaintedPastures — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:49:45 GMT

We have a 45'x63' Morton Building and would appreciate any hints on keeping sparrows out of the barn

Its understandable that they would like it in there...spilled grain (which we try to keep to a minimum) and extra bits of hay which they can build their nests with. I just dont enjoy the poo that they leave behind and they like to build nests in the automatic door opener. We also try and keep the nests knocked out, but I think that they roof peaks at about 20'+...a little much for my 5'3" LOL

Do those plastic owls work? I have different places where I could move him around. We have some barn cats who have shown little to no interest in them. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Want to have a raised bed garden,can I plant corn

jooles — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:16:13 GMT

I was just wondering if I can plant corn in my raised beds (not actually built yet)I wanted to maybe start on my garden this weekend. I read somewhere to grow corn only in the ground. Does any one know. Also are there any other veggies I shouldn't grow in my raised beds.

The soil here is pretty much all sand. I figured in would be easier to grow on raised beds than to try and ammend the soil.

I am new to gardening, as we just moved from the city to five acres. But in the couple of months we have been here, we've got 17 chickens and a mini horse. Loving the country life...so far.

Thanks, Julie

containers for marketing vegetables

gardengirl — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:19:17 GMT

I have a question. Where can I buy the small containers/packages to hold tomatoes, fruit, etc. so we can sell it? I have read magazines and books on hobby farming, but I haven't seen this question answered. Thanks for any help!

gardengirl

Small Southern KS Hobbyfarm

6ncounting — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:52:40 GMT

My husband and I are in the process of buying a small 10 acre property with a house and barn etc. It was previously used for horses and we are are trying to turn it into more. the only problem is we're city people who are clueless and I am not sure what our stocking rate would be to estimate the number of animal units. Is anyone familiar with this area? I have a friend with 2 acres who has a dexter cow/calf unit, 2 pigs, several chickens, bunnies and soon 2 goats and I am curious if this is a sustainable/viable model to follow. TIA

Sick goat

loggeswife777 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:25:40 GMT

We have a Goat that PG and I thought she was in labor for last few days but now she got to slobbering at mouth and has no milk anyone out there know what maybe wrong with her She want eat and yesterday all she want to do was stand at water and drink I worried she may have something to give to my other goats.

Best farmaland in US/MN

Amelikan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:47:10 GMT

Hi, I'm looking to purchase a farm in the near future and would like your opinions on the most fertile farmlands in America. I would like to stay near the cities in Minnesota so if anybody has any information it would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Earth Day 2008 -- Your Way!

HFfriend — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:57:03 GMT

The list of ways we can help the earth on Earth Day and every day is endless--and we're learning more ways every day.

We started a list of things we can do ...

Around the Farm

Start a compost pile.
Use mulch to conserve water in your garden.

Around the House

Recycle everything!
Weatherize and insulate your home, and consider installing double pane windows.

In Our Lives and Our Communities

Buy recycled products.
Spread the word about conservation!

Let's EXPAND the list!

What can farmers do to help?

Tell us what you do on Earth Day or every day to pitch in.

Before you take the plunge...

Sue Weaver — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:26:26 GMT

Recently several people have asked me what advice I have for prospective hobby farmers on the verge of taking ‘the big plunge’. I’ve mulled that over and briefly, this is what I’d say (and please: feel free to comment on any of my conclusions):

Before you embark on any venture, be it buying a farm, market gardening, raising beef cattle, selling meat goats to ethnic markets—anything—research the subject to death. Read the excellent Hobby Farms articles archived at this site, peruse books on the subject (most libraries offer interlibrary loan—they can borrow virtually any book you request). Talk to people already doing the thing you want to do and meet with County Extension agents in the area where you farm or plan to farm. And Google (www.Google.com) it! If you don’t know how to use a search engine, visit Google Guide (www.googleguide.com) and learn how. As a writer, I spend hundreds and hundreds of hours doing online research; believe me, the information is out there. If you skip this step you’re in for nasty surprises. Unfortunately, reliable information wasn’t as readily available in the early 1970’s as it is now, and what was out there made ‘homesteading’ sound like a breeze. It isn’t, and we made lots of unnecessary mistakes. I can’t stress this too strongly: educate yourself before you commit.
Scope out where you’re going to live. Not all country destinations are alike. Spend your vacations in the area or even rent before you buy. Is it reasonably easy to make friends (even if you’re an introvert, farming without friends to help out at times is very hard indeed)? Do locals make you feel welcome and if not, does that matter? How much convenience and cultural withdrawal can you accept? What about physicians and vets; do they offer the sorts of services you’ll require? Are area schools up to your standards? Find this all out (and more—much more) before you move. You’ll be very, very glad you did.
Once you’ve settled in, be prepared before you start any project. Don’t cob things together—in the long run it costs more in sweat equity, aggravation and replacement costs than you can possibly imagine (we’re currently replacing 29 acres of sloppy wire fencing with tautly-stretched goat-proof woven wire—enough said).
Start small and learn as you go. Even well-researched projects can go awry. A case in point: our registered Boer goat venture. The first two years we had our little herd, the ongoing drought here in the Ozarks made buying decent hay next to impossible, so we constantly struggled to balance our does’ diets. Two (duly vaccinated) goats died from enterotoxemia, two others nearly succumbed. Losses are inevitable but these goats are ‘family’, so we simply stopped breeding. Now we have a very expensive herd of pasture ornaments, but better six does than thirty!
Finally, don’t expect to achieve immediate self-sufficiency. It’s next to impossible for beginning small farmers and country entrepreneurs (or ones that have been doing it over thirty years!) to earn enough at home to cover $4 per gallon gas and diesel fuel and the rapidly escalating cost of feed and groceries. Sure, you can grow some of your own but that doesn’t happen overnight, either. In time you might be able to give up your day job—and then again, maybe not. If you can, learn a trade before moving to the boonies; something you can do at or from the farm. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of country wages, which often equate with minimum wage.

It sounds grim, but it isn’t. Most folks who really want to will thrive in a country setting. By seeing the relevant angles and planning before you act, you can too!

Building a Barn

Hoot — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:34:12 GMT

In the finishing stages of completing my 30x30 barn with loft. Priced out cedar for barn doors. Talk about sticker shock....will spruce with a good oil based stain work as well?

I can't see investing $1500.00 in doors.

Thanks for any input.

Hoot

SmallAnimalChannel.com has Launched

HFfriend — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:25:20 GMT

The editors of Critters USA and Ferrets magazine are proud to announce the launch of SmallAnimalChannel.com and FerretsMagazine.com. The websites offer "critter" enthusiasts attractive and captivating sources for expert ferret and small animal information.

The SmallAnimalChannel and FerretsMagazine.com Grand Opening celebration runs from April 15 to 21, 2008, and offers thousands of dollars in prizes for users to win.

The Grand Opening celebration is really exciting and packed full of great prizes for your small pets. Users will have a chance to win a 48" Pet Hutch from Doctors Foster and Smith, and critter specific prize packs from other SmallAnimalChannel Grand Opening sponsors Kaytee and SuperPet, 8 in 1, FerretDepot.com, ZuPreem, SlippyPad and SlippyMat, Ferretonin, Green Pets and Mazuri. There are many more prizes to be won.

Come back every day for another chance to win!

Join in and win prizes during our Grand Opening Celebration, click here http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/grand-opening/default.aspx]

Enjoy!

Rural Areas=Scarce Healthy Food?

HFfriend — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:19:14 GMT

We found this article the other day and it got us scratching our heads. I guess they could be right; there are quite possibly no Wild Oats or Fresh Markets in those areas. But what about CSAs? Farmers' Markets? Road-side sales?

What do you all think? How important is this issue to you?

Healthy Food Sources Scarcer in Rural Areas, Study Says
From the “Daily Yonder”

If America's fruits and vegetables are grown in rural areas, wouldn't it just make sense that rural residents would have better access to healthy foods like these? Nope, says a study from South Carolina, which found that the opposite it true.

That's because rural areas tend to have a greater percentage of convenience stores, which offer far fewer choices of fresh vegetables and fruits (unless, of course, you classify watermelon-flavored bubble gum as a fruit).

The study of Orangeburg County, S.C., found that about three quarters of the county's food stores were convenience stores, and only about a quarter were grocery stores or supermarkets. Studies of urban areas have found the percentage of convenience stores ranges from only 8 to 41 percent.

Grocery stores and supermarkets are far more likely to carry healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads. And, when convenience stores do carry healthy food, the items are more expensive, the study found.

Learn more about the study’s results from the Daily Yonder. http://www.dailyyonder.com/healthy-food-choices-scarcer-rural-areas-study-says

The giant leap

jay01 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:46:34 GMT

I want a farm, mainly crops, im not interested in livestock. I can make a living at growing crops, right? I am new to farming but i did some programs in highschool ( im 21). I am currently reading "Five Acres & Independence- A Handbook for Small Farm Management" - by M.G. Kains. To the point, i have very little money and i am wandering how i can get into the farming arena? Do i apply for a farmers loan and go out and purchase a farm & equipment and start seeding? Where do i sell my crops? A produce broker, and farmers markets? What about growing alfalfa or other type of feed, could i make my loan payments and eat good too? I know its broad/vague but its a start

Thanks for the adivce!

Labels for Cloned Food Products? Who Needs them ...?

HFfriend — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:17:45 GMT

Now that the FDA has said cloned food products are "OK," it seems that producers of such livestock and products are free to ship them to your local grocery -- but you probably won't know which items are cloned!

There is currently no requirement asking producers to label their item so that consumers know the product came from a cloned animal.

According to a report from Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports:

89 percent of consumers want labels on products from clones.
Are you one of the 89 percent?

Follow this link to learn how you can contact your legislators to co-sponsor the Cloned Food Labeling Act.
https://secure.npsite.org/cu/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1789

What DO YOU think?
-- Should cloned food products be labeled?
-- Do you think it's safe?
-- What do you think is the best approach to the issue?

Hobby Farm

stevemaharry — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:23:03 GMT

I've been wanting to start a hobby farm for ten years now. But only recently have I come up with ideas for what I want to do on the hobby farm. I am a landscaper by trade and want to incorperate that into the hobby farm. I also want the farm to be for experiments in different growing styles such as hydroponics, tree farming, and animal rescue center. Plus raising Lamas for the wool, and much more than I can post in this posting. Will post more of my ideas later.

I am on disablity checks and I know about free farm grants. But Just don't know how to get started with everything. Any suggestions???

Making Hay

Sarah_Coleman — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:47:51 GMT

So ... I am looking to bale my own hay on 30 of 100 acres in central Kentucky ... BUT I have no idea where to start! The farm is mostly open land; it appears (haha) that it would not be too difficult to have someone come in and kill the weeds so I can spread seed myself. Is this the proper way to go about things?

Also, I have all of the equipment to cut and rake, but not to bale -- how do you suggest I go about baling? Find a farmer to bale for me? Try to see if I can barter time/hay to borrow a baler and bale myself?

What do you think? Any ideas/help/thoughts would be appreciated! :)

Cat Tails and Overgrown Land

mystnd — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:23:49 GMT

I have recently moved (back) to northeastern ND. I am on 60+ acres which I knew was not the best land available but hey...it was 60+ acres, a house, a couple barns and a lot of sheds. What else do I have to do with my free time?Now that the land is taking off its white coat I am more able to see what is there although it hasn't really greened up enough for me to know what is alive or not.

There is a small non perennial creek that runs through the property and it is full of cat tails and assorted slough grasses which appear to be invading up the bank into what was probably better grazing/farming land before. It is my desire to do some combination of reseeding it to prairie/wet land/native plants and grass for goats. I understand that getting the cat tails out is mostly just hard work to get the roots out but does anyone know if goats will eat them? And does anyone know if I should do a control burn of the thick grasses and such (It has been untouched for at least 5 years.) I am way out in the country and I don't think I need permits to do that at all. Thanks for any input you can give me. Mary Ann

flies

J Man — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:55:43 GMT

Outside on my property there are tons of flies. The unusual part is that they are all real low to the ground. Is this normal? How do I get rid of them?

New-ish to farm life questions.

archangel — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:18:05 GMT

My wife and I are looking to purchase a new home (new to us) with some land.

There quite a few well within our price range with at least 15 acres or more, and one with 65 acres!

I spent a short summer on a farm and had family that I visited every summer that had ducks, chickens and what not.

For a long while (decades) have been wanting to have some property with a small amount of livestock.

I want chickens, a few Soay sheep, a couple Goats.
Just a small hobby farm.

Just so you know, I have experience home construction handyman (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, concrete, roofing) welder and mechanic, and have built and repaired fencing, out buildings and built from scratch a real custom chicken coop for one customer.

The issue we have is I want more acreage, she wants less.

She fears that every square foot needs to be maintained, like someone who has to mow the yard and trim the hedges.

I feel that other than the garden, the small grass yard around the house (that is if we even decide to have one) and any land we use for planed pasture (like alfalfa or some other feed grass), most of the land will be taken care by nature, with some excessive brush removal needed once a year.

Am I dreaming and is more acreage, even if it is unused, more work?

Is she paranoid, and can I tell her "more is better"?

Also.

Any opinion on acreage or anything else for us first timers?

Can I use regular grass seed...

Ladybug30 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:27:41 GMT

I have two pygmy goats and the area I plan to move them to is kinda short on grass. Can I sew in regular grass seed like Rebels fescue or do I have to buy a certain kind of grass seed or hayseed...

Dumb question I know but give me a break I am new at this!

Livestock for small farms

Sue Weaver — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:59:52 GMT

Today while doing some other research I stumbled upon an informative, eight-page Texas Agricultural Extension Service bulletin called Livestock for Small Acreage Landowners free for download at:

http://agrilifebookstore.org/publications_getfile.cfm?getfile=pdf&whichpublication=1103

You might want to check it out.

Sue

Living On An Acre In The City

Sipsip — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:21:26 GMT

I recently approached City Hall regarding the Pet Limitation Laws. It looks like 4 out of the 5 Council Members agreed with me that number limits don't constitute responsibility. We already have nuisance laws in place that don't need to be encumbered by extraneous laws such as what I called "The number battle." Soon, City Hall will make a decision!

However, before I get into livestock, I was wondering what your opinion is on making it a go as a Hobby Livestock Farmer. In your opinion, is an acre just too small for a Hobby Farm of any kind?

I hope to have a couple of sheep, perhaps helping out a rare breed, but I want to be responsible!

sale me

pygmy jenny — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:15:21 GMT

when's the best time of year to sale rabbit's and bunnies ??

Any advice for a hobby farm dreamer?

dreamer7 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:49:42 GMT

Hello, my husband and I currently live in the city but are planning on moving to the country within 1 1/2 - 2 years and I am dreaming of starting a hobby farm. I don't really know anything about farming so I am gathering as much information as I can about having a hobby farm. I am really interested in growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs and hope to have cows, chickens, goats and horses on my farm as well.

Does anyone have any advice about starting a hobby farm or any great books/magazines etc that would help me in my planning?

Thank you in advance!

Wendy

What to look for when buying a hobby farm?

galaxieguy — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 06:46:53 GMT

I am looking at buying a small farm[eastern ontario].
Being from the city not sure what to look for.
I spent time working on horse farm. I have mechanical training so buying a tractor is something that will lots of fun My wife likes the idea of gardening. So any ideas or where I can find info would be grateful.

Marketing Research Survey

gcwpapillon — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:34:04 GMT

Msg me or post but either way please keep the whole survey to one post, THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP!!!!!!

Market Research Survey: Gypsy Vanner Horse

Age:

Male / Female

(1) Have you ever heard of a Gypsy Vanner Horse?-

- (If answer is no go to question 4):

(2) Would you like to/do you own a Gypsy Vanner Horse?: -

- (If answer is no go to question 4):

(3) How much would you be willing to spend on a Gypsy Vanner Horse?:

(4) Do you own/ride a horse? (If answer is no go to question 7):

(5) What discipline(s) do you ride?:

(6) How would you/do you choose a breeder?:

(a)Price

(b)Word of mouth

(c)Reputation

(d)Quality

(7) Why don’t you own/ride a horse?:

(8) How many acres do you own?:

help need rabbit grooming table

pygmy jenny — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:46:24 GMT

hi i wanted to know if anyone know how to make a homemade rabbit grooming table. if there is a web site or pictures thank you!!

Starting on that fam finally.

Karen the Cat — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:38:13 GMT

My husband and I are soon going to be able to buy some more of the property around us. This will bring our total land to 6 acres. We want to raise mallard ducks, quail, pheasant and maybe 4 chickens. I also want goats and/or sheep. I keep looking at sites with info about raising chickens, but it's almost impossible to find info on the ducks, quail and pheasant. Does anyone know if I can put them all together in one pen or should I keep them separate? How about the shed for the goats and sheep, I know they can be in the same pasture, what about when I close them up at night? I have wanted birds all my life but due to sickness when I was young, I was misinformed until recently that I couldn't have them. Now that I can, I'm ready to go. I am partially disabled so my birds and goats and sheep should be just enough to get me out of the house for a few hours a day and not push my capabilities. I'm also planning to plant chestnut, black walnut and some dwarf fruit trees- Should I keep the goats and sheep away from the new seedlings? I think so, but just want to be sure.

What to do with manure??

woodyacres — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:31:06 GMT

I have a small hobby farm on 2 acres. I have goats, chickens, ducks and a donkey. I have no place to put the manure. Any suggestions??

what kind of plant is this ??

pygmy jenny — Mon, 21 May 2007 09:41:01 GMT

hi i wanted to know what kind of plant is this i got them from a compost place i thought they look like hollyhocks.

Hobby farms in the Ozarks

Sue Weaver — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:34:26 GMT

I just replied to a post about hobby farming "up North", offering to answer questions anyone might have.

Well, we've been hobby farming in northernmost Arkansas (in the southern edge of the Ozarks) for six years now, so if anyone has questions about this area, I'd be very happy to field those too.

Sue Weaver

(contributing editor, Hobby Farms)

Hobby Farms "Up North"

bigbossman — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:10:52 GMT

I found a great article on hobby farms in Minnesota & Wisconsin. You may want to check it out : http://www.landbin.com/about/hobby-farms

It is a pretty in-depth article and a good read for anyone considering making this lifestyle change.

passing time

wagnerfarms — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:25:33 GMT

Is anyone else out there trying to find ways to pass the time until kidding time gets here. We're only days away and it's getting tough.

The Economy and Your Farm

HFfriend — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:18:51 GMT

From increasing fuel costs to increasing costs for feed, supplies and other farm essentials, has the economy affected how much you spend on your farm?

Have you felt the impact? Are you looking for ways to trim costs, such as looking for cheaper options or delaying larger purchases? Or maybe you're feeling pretty secure -- and just waiting out the slump. Let us know what you think, in general, by taking our quick poll.

Thanks!

black Walnut trees

Ian123 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:27:13 GMT

I have about 30 red oak trees that range from about 20" diameter to about 32" diameter and about 40 Black Walnut trees that are about 12" diameter, My neighbours tell me that I should stop heating the house with them and sell them for timber (Oaks) and Veneer (Walnuts) Is this realistic?

finally doing it!!

aawr4200 — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:47:45 GMT

i'm a newbie here. thought i would introduce myself. Born and raised in the city, Florida, moved to michigan a few years ago (loved the scenery). now we are finally buying 10 acres for our ranch. 5 aces cleared, 5 wooded. no house or other buildings. we converted a school bus into an rv, so we will be staying in that for awhile. i have lots of questions. i'll have to post them when we get to that point. we are planning on putting the pole barn up first, hopefully this summer. that's are first step, of course after electric and septic. well, i can't wait to here all the information i can get from here. thanks

Lets get to know each other and our hobby farms!!

Chris Bingham — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:08:05 GMT

Hi! My name is Chris and I live in Oklahoma. I raise registered shorthorn cattle on my mom and dads 27 acres.

I am still in High School this year is my senior year. I plan on attending Oklahoma State University (I have already been accepted) and double major in Agriculture Education and Animal Science.

I am the president of my FFA Chapter and serve on the Oklahoma Jr. Shorthorn Board as a district director.

I started my herd with 2 bred cows, 1 three-in-one, and a show heifer. I know have 10 females and searching for bull. We also have one ex-racing throughbred and my grandpas 2 roping horses.

I would like to get a donkey and some goats to eat the underbrush but those purchases are still a little ways off.

Well there is my little piece about me. So what how about you? What do you raise?

want to start a small farm.

hobbyfarmer1323 — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:42:50 GMT

Hi my name is Aaron and i live in northeren indiana and im 23 years old. I'm married and have a seven yearold girl and a boy due in july. I work as a heavy equipment operator in the steel mills full time but I love animals and love working with my hands. We live in a new manuf.. home on two acres and we three pigs and about 12 chickens. But we want more. I want to sell this plase and buy a small farm but my credit is not very good because I was dumb when I was 18 and got in over my head. But im back on my feet with only the debt I have to have. Does anyone know a leander that would be able to help me with my dream. I want this farm as a hobby but at the same time I would like to make it pay for it's self. thank u for your help and knowleged.

chicken dewormer

lolamik — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:51:08 GMT

Hi, I was told by a very knowledgeable poultry person that I should be giving my chickens something for worms. She suggested something that I think was like a grit. She said it had tiny shards of glass that destroys the worms. This product started with a D and maybe Dia. It was a long word and I should have written it down, but didn't. And, of course, I lost her phone number. Does anybody have any info on this product or on chicken dewormers. Thanks