Farming 'off site'

18 years ago

I currently have about 1/2 acre homesite where I grow lots of foods (and variety) for my own family. However, I would like to try my hand at the farmer's market and perphaps growing for some local chefs etc. I think there is a really good market in my area for local grown, but there is not much available farm land without moving way out into sticks (where there are many rednecks in my area!).

I am thinking that if I tried to do some intensive and niche growing, that I could make some decent supplemental income on perhaps 2-3 acres. My question is really about if anyone has found it feasible to do their growing offsite from their home property.

Also, what are some creative ways to get involved in farming on someone else's property (contract farming etc.)? In the long run, is it really worth the trouble to do small scale farming within 15 minutes (for example) apart from where one lives? Of course, I am worried about gas prices and the constant vigilance required for successful farming.

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Comments (6)

robin_maine
18 years ago
As long as you have what you need there I think it works well. Having what you need includes a good land owner and a solid written contract. I wouldn't use my resources to build up someone else's soil unless you're sure you'll be in that spot long enough to make it worth the money and labor. Fifteen minutes isn't a long commute. Some farmers have to drive that long to get to a portion of their field. Good luck! If you do this I hope you'll keep us up to date.
sunnfarm3
18 years ago
I farmed off site for 14 years. 7 years my farm was 1 mile away and 7 years I commuted 150 miles a day. Today I live on my farm and market my produce from my own roadside market. Off site has a few problems you will need to adapt to. The worst being vandalism and theft. Another is dealing with property owners. Its also hard to properly manage things from long distance, you need to make the best of what you have... Goodluck Bob.
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redneck_grower
18 years ago
moving way out into sticks (where there are many rednecks in my area!).

And that problem with that is what???

Wikipedia: Redneck

;-)
redneck_grower
18 years ago
edit: "And THE problem with that is what???

Cheers!
bstruss
Original Author
18 years ago
redneck_grower,
Well being that you asked; I don't particularly care to live around folks that leave crap everywhere, have hunting dogs locked in small cages in their yard (and they bark and cry non stop and many malnourished stray dogs roam the streets). I was driving around in one of these "redneck areas" recently and saw a guy stumbling in the middle of the road with a beer can in his hand. And then there are the confederate flags flying everywhere! Need I go on? I am no snob or anything but it's just not my cup of tea!
redneck_grower
18 years ago
You are not describing 'rednecks', you are describing 'white trash'.

All in good fun!

;-)