Often, when people buy a small farm they simply want someone to tell them what they can “do” with it. As strange as it might seem, this isn’t an easy question to answer. When landowners begin to make important decisions related to the use of their property, they might not recognize the complicated web of details involved. Before making decisions, you should consider these major factors that interact with and influence each other:
• Goals for the farm
• Physical resources of the farm
• Family resources and skills
• Type of farm enterprise and crop produced
For instance, the type of soil on a farm influences what crops can and cannot be grown, which in turn influences the level of gross farm income. Also, the farm owner’s skills for (and enjoyment of) working directly with consumers might influence the farm’s marketing technique (direct marketing versus wholesale).
Small farms are like any small business. They often require long hours, long-term commitment, and stamina. And like many highly successful small businesses, they require a risk taking, entrepreneurial spirit.
Source: Oregon State University
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