The USDA has allocated nearly $3 billion to their EQIP program for 2025 (I am a current applicant) to make it easier for beginner farmers to get involved with small scale farming and conservationism.
I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your fortitude to go for your dreams. I have been accused of being a frustrated farmer. I love the country as well as growing things and living in nature. My problem is that I’m old enough to be your grandmother. However, you’ve got me thinking… Could I really do what you’re doing?
I’d love to do this but I don’t have cash for a down-payment or to use to build an initial structure (either in a cash payment or through financing). I’ve got great credit and a good job, so I could absolutely get financed, but how do I pay for any of it until it starts earning money itself? The opportunity for future grant money after I start doesn’t seem to be helpful for a lot of people in the getting-started part. ☹️ I’m so bummed and feeling really stuck.
Stop. PLEASE stop. You are speaking on a topic you don't understand. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and energy but, this comment. First of all, not possible no real farmer meaning somebody who doesn't work off the farm is going to rent somebody an acre out of there something inside their property line 2nd of all you wouldn't want it, it will beround up twice a year and worse if it's soy beans, Dicamba. A ridiculously toxic substance sprayed on most of the GMO soybeans in today's dynamic. Also, there won't be any water. You're out in the middle of a field I mean there's not gonna be any available running water. One MUST have have water. No matter what your operation.
A capital investment such as you are advocating for here, is the last thing any beginning or never ever farmer should to do. My goodness how are you gonna pay for it? No amount of zeros is a bad thing when it's an investment. Any amount of zeros is a bad thing when it's an expense. Water, seeds, meat protein whatever I mean no no no no.
Makes me think you are intentionally disingenuous.
Hud, you’re suggesting all one acre parcels are in the middle of a wheat field? And water is something that cannot be solved? For my well they went to the second aquifer. Depth was 60 ft. Investment was not insurmountable. On my neglected large garden I use drip irrigation and lots of mulch.
I tried selling pork cuts from our pastured pigs. The venture failed. My marketing fell shy of something however we still have lots of frozen pork. It wasn’t a disaster.
If someone eager came along wanting to grow veggies with me I’d listen to what they had to say.
I'm a new subscriber so sorry if this is a stupid questio.. Do you have an article on how you've been managing the transition into farming financially? Like i understand the land loans and utility expenses and starting to make an income in farmstand sales and substack subscriptions and such. But do you have a different job or savings? What sources of income were you showing them when you made the loan application?
Why don’t you suggest people start “farming” where they already live? Everybody has to go out and get a loan in order to start? How do you fund your land loan, your in-cash Amish build, the cash chicken coop and bunny hutch, AND the rent wherever you live, assuming you don’t live in the barn?Most people you’re talking to haven’t made millions on Fiverr… wonder if your audience knows about that?
I have many more topics to come - one of them being that. I’m sorry you’re unable to see the positivity here and operate from a place of mental lack. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Alexandra. Do any of the funding sources you’re investigating allow for the to-be-purchased land to have an existing home/residence on it? Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
The money allocated for that is nothing more than a wish. An empty-handed reaching out, holding a hat. We haven't even drafted a Farm Bill yet. Two years late....
I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your fortitude to go for your dreams. I have been accused of being a frustrated farmer. I love the country as well as growing things and living in nature. My problem is that I’m old enough to be your grandmother. However, you’ve got me thinking… Could I really do what you’re doing?
Were meant to do everything in communities - so with others, sure you can!
Great news.
Your venture is trickling along.
Good luck.
Thank you!
More good news!
Many thanks for the continued information and interesting journey 🙏
Keep up the good work, it looks like your fan base is growing. Good information as always.
I’d love to do this but I don’t have cash for a down-payment or to use to build an initial structure (either in a cash payment or through financing). I’ve got great credit and a good job, so I could absolutely get financed, but how do I pay for any of it until it starts earning money itself? The opportunity for future grant money after I start doesn’t seem to be helpful for a lot of people in the getting-started part. ☹️ I’m so bummed and feeling really stuck.
I’d rent an acre from a farmer then in the mean time! Cheaper than most apartment rents
Stop. PLEASE stop. You are speaking on a topic you don't understand. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and energy but, this comment. First of all, not possible no real farmer meaning somebody who doesn't work off the farm is going to rent somebody an acre out of there something inside their property line 2nd of all you wouldn't want it, it will beround up twice a year and worse if it's soy beans, Dicamba. A ridiculously toxic substance sprayed on most of the GMO soybeans in today's dynamic. Also, there won't be any water. You're out in the middle of a field I mean there's not gonna be any available running water. One MUST have have water. No matter what your operation.
A capital investment such as you are advocating for here, is the last thing any beginning or never ever farmer should to do. My goodness how are you gonna pay for it? No amount of zeros is a bad thing when it's an investment. Any amount of zeros is a bad thing when it's an expense. Water, seeds, meat protein whatever I mean no no no no.
Makes me think you are intentionally disingenuous.
Hud, you’re suggesting all one acre parcels are in the middle of a wheat field? And water is something that cannot be solved? For my well they went to the second aquifer. Depth was 60 ft. Investment was not insurmountable. On my neglected large garden I use drip irrigation and lots of mulch.
I tried selling pork cuts from our pastured pigs. The venture failed. My marketing fell shy of something however we still have lots of frozen pork. It wasn’t a disaster.
If someone eager came along wanting to grow veggies with me I’d listen to what they had to say.
Do you have other points to make?
Thanks for the encouragement! As a paid subscriber, I’m enjoying reading all your tips. Hoping to be a newby farm-sister in OH soon!
Love the way you look at things ❤️ starting mushrooms and microgreens now
Love that 🙏
This is such wonderful information! Thank you for sharing!! Now off to convince my mom at start her mushroom farm 🙌🏼
I'm a new subscriber so sorry if this is a stupid questio.. Do you have an article on how you've been managing the transition into farming financially? Like i understand the land loans and utility expenses and starting to make an income in farmstand sales and substack subscriptions and such. But do you have a different job or savings? What sources of income were you showing them when you made the loan application?
So far, I’m loving what I’m reading and am looking into some farmland here in Missouri. Keep up the good work!!
Love what you're doing! ❤️
Why don’t you suggest people start “farming” where they already live? Everybody has to go out and get a loan in order to start? How do you fund your land loan, your in-cash Amish build, the cash chicken coop and bunny hutch, AND the rent wherever you live, assuming you don’t live in the barn?Most people you’re talking to haven’t made millions on Fiverr… wonder if your audience knows about that?
I have many more topics to come - one of them being that. I’m sorry you’re unable to see the positivity here and operate from a place of mental lack. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Alexandra. Do any of the funding sources you’re investigating allow for the to-be-purchased land to have an existing home/residence on it? Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Remember, you don't own it. Blackrock does.
They will simply change factors to make it impossible to pay back and now they will own it.
If you need government subsidies to operate your farm, you are being dishonest and you are part of the problem.
Happy Thanksgiving Michael!
The money allocated for that is nothing more than a wish. An empty-handed reaching out, holding a hat. We haven't even drafted a Farm Bill yet. Two years late....
This money was allocated at the end of 2022. It has nothing to do with the current Farm Bill.