How would one go about starting a farm?

	How would one go about starting a farm? In a few years I want to purchase a good sized portion of land to be able to sustain 50 - 100 people. How does one go about finding out how to grow all kinds of crops, the laws of keeping(and killing) livestock, and the best area in the US for owning this type of land? I want to start learning what I can now, maybe even work at a family owned farm so that I am ready when I start my own. Any and all help is appreciated. Asked By: Donnie - 5/24/2009

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
The honest answer is you really cannot purchase land in any ONE place that will provide all the food needs of a small band. Not unless you are willing to eliminate a food group from your diet. I live in the Pacific Northwest, about 4 miles from the ocean on a permaculture farm. We produce most of our own food. We raise goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, fruit trees, vegtables, nut trees, berries, even going to stock our pond with fish for us to eat. Did you notice I didn't type a single thing about grain? We live in the Pacific Northwest...far too wet here to sucessfully grow grains. So we buy our wheat, and oatmeal in bulk and store it in our large pantry. We have about 800 pounds or so of just wheat. We are only maintaining our pantry for three adult people, by the way. Butchering your own livestock depends entirely on your states laws. In most states the ability to butcher ones own livestock is protected under freedom of religion laws. The farther East you get the more likely you are to run into some serrious restrictions. Also counties within a state can differ greatly on their laws. How serrious are you about raising your own food? Everyone thinks butchering livestock has got to be THE most difficult job. It can be difficult, especially emotionally. Butchering can be downright easy compaired to some jobs. Lets take something really simple most people don't even think of. Sugar. Is your community going to produce it's own sugar? Without sugar, the yeast in your bread will not rise. So you could have hives of honey bees. You could grow sugar beets and extract the sugar from them. You could grow sugar cane, but that means living in a tropical climate, like Hawaii. You could grow sorgum, and make molasses, but that means living in a hot climate, like Georiga. You could extrac and boil down maple syrup from maple trees. That means living in a cooler climate, and on land that already has mature sugar maple trees (sugar maple need to be 40 years old before they are tapped for the very first time!). Who is going to rule your community? A community that large needs rules. What if someone decides to start growing pot? What if someone in the community grows beautiful flowers and brings in 5 times as much money selling them as someone who grows vegtables. Does that entitel the person growing the flowers to 5 times the rescources of the community? What if someone decides raising ostriches is the way for the community to get rich? Your community can live on the "three sisters," and live in a wide range of climates. The three sisters are corn, squash, and beans. They all grow well together, and from complete protiens when you eat them. A complete protien allows humans to heal from wounds, pregnant women to carry a baby to term, and for children to grow. Beans are an incomplete protien. Rice is an incomplete protien. Eat them together though, and you have a complete protien. So who's going to learn about nutrition to keep the community safe? How do you plan to afford the land, and taxes, and medical bills, and money for supplies (doubt someone wants to sew underwear, or make shoes for everyone in the community). You have a lot of learning and a lot of planning ahead of you. You need to start to study climates, and property prices in states you'd like to live in. Don't forget to take things into concideration. Missouri has a LOT of very reasonably priced farm land. It also sits on THE biggest earthquake fault in the U.S.A. Everyone thinks it's the San Andreas in California...nope, Missouri is where there's the chance of having an earthquake of truely stupendous mangnitude. Start reading every single book on agriculture you can lay your hands on. That's what I've been doing most of my life. ~Garnet Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years Answered By: Bohemian_Garnet_Permaculturalist - 5/24/2009

Additional Answers ()

Do you have an uncle on your dad's side, might be your best bet. LOL Answered By: PRIME QUARTER - 5/25/2009

First you need to decide what you can handle on your own,are you going to have help doing this? your only going to be able to grow the things that will live in the zone you pick. if you have enough acres you can do livestock and do your own hay, you don't want to have to buy extra feed if you don't have to. any where you get you don't want to be in any city limit. it's a whole lot cheaper to develop land in county or unincorporated areas. you need to look for places with good pasture for livestock. unless you are going to learn yourself you will need somewhere that has a large animal vet. when you pick a piece of land, the first and biggest concern is water and you need to make sure you will have enough, then is electricity, then is how far do you want to be away from things, like stores and doctors. if you find a piece of land before you buy go to the local farm extension office. they will tell you anything you want to know about the prop. and what would be good uses for it, they will tell you what kind of soil you have, what livestock are in the area, they have pamplets on anything farm and animal related in your county. they will even send someone out to look your prop. over and tell you how many animals and what kind you can keep. what crops you can grow to sale, where the animal auctions are, everything. they will also tell you how many acres you will need to do what you want. if you have some time to look for prop. and you find a piece you might want to look at it in the summer and again in the winter to see what kind of weather you will be seeing and will you get snowed in sometimes. if you can find a piece and pay it off before you are ready to commence your building, its a lot easier to get a construction loan if you already own the prop. Answered By: bob and dolly k - 5/24/2009

If you are serious about farming, you should know that your efforts will sustain many more than 50-100 people, if you do it right. So, you should ask yourself how much money you will be able to spend in those few years for that good sized portion of land. The best farmland in America is located in the Midwest, and has been selling for over $7,000 per acre. Can you afford to buy 100 acres at that price? (Quick math, that would be 7 hundred thousand dollars, $700,000). I would love to get into the farming business too, good luck, keep me infomed. Answered By: ironlace - 5/24/2009

In order to sustain 50 to 100 people you will need over 500 acres if you include both meat and grain along with vegetables. this also would mean you would never get a vacation or much sleep unless you hire several people. What is much more reasonable to is to supply most of the fruits and vegetable that people eat in a week. I have a CSA and can supply about 30 members with about 1/2 their vegetable needs for a week on 4 acres of land (I have more land but that is how big the market garden is). If I were to start producing grain for everyone than I would need an extra 50 acres. If I started producing meat and eggs (poultry) I would need another 15 or so acres for the birds and the grain for the birds. If I raised beef and milk for them than I would need another 200 or so acres so I could do rotational grazing for say 50 head of cattle plus raise the hay and grain they will need through the winter. You also will be looking at working 12+ hours a day 7 days a week year round which will burn out a person pretty quickly. I would strongly suggest you get a job on the kind of farm you want to run someday (be a lot more specific that "family Farm" as that encompasses all kinds of farming from the 3 acre organic CSA farm to the 10 million hen battery egg farm. It sounds like you want to do mix production so find that kind of farm and get a job and learn the ropes so you don't invest millions of dollars on something you find out you hate. You might start looking at your local farmers market, go around and ask if anyone needs help and see what happens. Answered By: Ohiorganic - 5/24/2009

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	What are some careers relating to helping people and Agriculture? This might need a little more explanation. I want to do something that helps people. Something along the lines of a humanitarian perhaps but also has a relation to agriculture. I have many scholarships I can receive but can only be used for things within a major in agriculture. Any ideas for agriculture relates jobs that contribute to helping people? 3 answers - Asked By: Lane - 2/27/2012

	What agriculture job makes alot of money? Im 16 female and dying to pick something in agriculture that i wanna do but I need one that makes alot of money. Name it and tell me exactly what I'd do 3 answers - Asked By: J - 5/5/2013

	What are some good Agriculture jobs in Ohio? I'm thinking about going to ATI with Ohio State and don't know what field to major in, but I do know I want to do someting in Agriculture. 5 answers - Asked By: krissygrl09 - 10/4/2007


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

	Is this normal for an interviewer to do this? So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something? 6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012

	What do you say when they ask what you want to be paid? ? Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say? 2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011

	How do I get a job with Dodgy work history and no experience? Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now. 1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012

	Why honesty, hard work and dedication have no place at work? Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust? 1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012

	I have applied for over 100 jobs I have gotten no calls for a job interview, what can i do? As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny. 9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012

	What to wear to a job interview VS a career fair? So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?! 2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012

	Rate my resume please? I'm really having a hard time finding a job. I'm not sure why employers aren't contacting me :( I have about 4 years in expereince ( about 1 year of management) Well, here it is Jon smith Erlanger KY, USA Cell: +1-859-111-1111 E-mail:abc.def@outlook.com OBJECTIVE Obtain a position as a project manager/coordinator allowing me to utilize my administrative, organizational and problem-solving skills with a growing organization to mutually enhance growth of professional development and success. WORK EXPERIENCE ATS Jun 2012 – Apr 2013 Project Manager I: Managed projects development and staff in different divisions to achieve projects goals through practices of planning, executing and analyzing project-related tasks. Duties, responsibilities and contributions to assigned projects include the following: • Prepare and create project scopes, SWOT analysis reports and statements of work as assigned. • Visit anticipated project sites and create assessments for necessary work. • Analyze given scopes to assist engineers into reaching projects’ objectives. • Examine and manage available resources relating to materials and manpower. • Coordinate staff and arrange regular meetings. • Inspect daily operations and quality of products used on premise. • Implement solutions to resolve complex jobs relating to the project. • Manage and ensure that operations are executed in accordance to project scope and SOW. • Review and submit documents for projects deliverables/submittals and create schedules for subcontractors. • Document all events occurred during project life cycle and submit reports to senior management. Assigned Projects: 1- Conference Rooms IT/Multimedia Project Duration: Jun 2012 – Dec 2012 2- Military Base Renovation Project Duration: Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 AT&T / U-verse Division Oct 2011 – Feb 2012 Command Center Agent II: Applied knowledge to solve common and complex related issues to consumer’s services and devices. The position allowed for individual work at minimum supervision and within teams when necessary. Duties of the position included: •Provide phone/virtual support to internal and external customers. •Audit reports submitted by technicians and follow up with customers. •Implement and updated solutions within workflow system (WFE system). •Interact with IT department personnel to resolve common issues. •Provide assistance to first level support agents. •Maintain database and accounts for customers. Cleve’s Connections May 2009 – Nov 2010 IT Specialist: Provided hands-on and virtual administration for all IT related topics and managed sales for all devices and services. This included consulting, providing solutions, and improving efficiency for small businesses in design and security areas. Tasks performed while working included: • Resolve & close all open cases submitted by staff or customers. • Setup and manage user accounts through Active Directory. • Monitor network activities and logs and report system bugs, downtimes or crashes. • On-site maintenance and installation of network equipment and computer hardware/software. • Perform system setup operations and data backups as requested. • Create case analysis and audit reports given by technicians. • On-call support 24/7. EDUCATION • Devry University, Cincinnati OH Bachelor in Management Graduation: 2012 • Cincinnati State, Cincinnati OH Associate in Network Administration Graduation: Transfer 2010 To Andy: What does my Devry have to do with anything? for profit school? I'm not sure what college you graduated from, but in the real world experience weights more than a piece of paper stating you've completed few written assignments and imaginary projects. SMH! 3 answers - Asked By: Zaid I - 5/8/2013

	What career or jobs can i get after graduating Information Technology? I am currently a 1st year irregular college student taking I.T. I transferred schools and my majors never got credited. But it's okay because i am slowly getting the logics in programming in Java. This next semester i am taking a System Analysis and Design(SADSIGN) and i am getting nervous because even though i am pretty good at logics, i am not that good at coding. But since it is a case study, we will be on group, we will be four i think. Project manager, Analyst, Documentation, and the programmer. I am asking what jobs i can get after graduating I.T. because what if i graduated I.T. and still not that good at coding, i am hoping that there will be a jobs that will require less programming. Like Database manager or in Multimedia or in charge of Network. So is there jobs that doesn't require hardcore programming skills? 2 answers - Asked By: Jay p*e - 5/6/2013

	What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and an ARNP? Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"? 1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006

	What jobs can you get from going to an engineering school? The question explains it, i am thinking of going to an engineering high school but of course it will focus on other stuff too but still. What kind of jobs can you get because i dont want to be a mechanic(no offence to any) but please help me! 2 answers - Asked By: hungergameslover - 5/13/2013

	Which of these careers would I not have a problem getting a job in? Account Executive Hospitality Manager Sales Representative Editorial Assistant Advertising Manager Hotel Manager Personnel Specialist Writer/Author Association Administrator Presenter Special Events Coordinator Political Aide Promotions Manager Speech Writer Consumer Affairs Specialist Sportscaster Public Information Officer Communications Director Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Technical Writer Telemarketing Specialist Customer Service Rep. Fund Raiser Training & Development Specialist Events Planner Flight Attendant Youth Worker Media Manager Recruiter Market Research Analyst Community Action Director Recreation/Attractions Manager Restaurant Manager Campaign Manager Development Director Script Writer Photojournalist Advertising Copywriter Museum Director Greeting Card Writer Production Assistant Actor, Mime Narrator Stage Manager Director Impersonator Make-up Artist Stunt Coordinator Booking Agent Talent Scout Drama Coach Stand-in Playwright Stage Manager Movie Theater Manager 2 answers - Asked By: Jolynn - 4/28/2013

	How can l find a job in the pharmacitical field as a sales and marketing manager,in south africa? L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry. 2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005

	What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering majors? Can someone tell me te difference between computer science and a computer engineering major. Is it the same? 2 answers - Asked By: Rosalva - 5/6/2013

	I'm an exellent welder/fabricator,does anyone out in Las vegas land have a job for me? 3 answers - Asked By: hubbard_billy - 2/24/2006

	I want to become an Escrow Officer, does anyone know how to go about it? What kind of training will I need? I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated. 2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006

	Web designer looking to jump into web producing at large agency. would love your advice!? I've always freelanced as a web designer and might have an opportunity to work at a large ad agency. sorta nervous about the culture and role, so I was wondering if I could solicit feedback about the type of strengths I might need to develop, ie., strong project management (learn to use basecamp!), etc. I've held jobs on the client side as a web marketing manager and before that freelanced -- but on the very small scale. anyone with similiar experiences or feedback I'd love to hear from you! 2 answers - Asked By: webguy - 2/11/2006

	How much do you tip an electrican? I have to get an electrican to fix an overloaded circuit and possible short. so do you tip and if so, how much? 4 answers - Asked By: speedlvr_8 - 12/29/2005

	Best nhl job? What do you guys think is the best NHL job? Zamboni driver penalty box door opener ref equip. manager commentator one of those people that move the nets for the zamboni camerman 10 answers - Asked By: jeff_njdevils - 3/20/2006

	Are there any career in computers that doesn't involve code scripting? 1 answer - Asked By: Big D - 5/3/2013

	How could I better prepare myself for a second interview? My second interview is on Monday and I want to be prepared. It's for an assistant controller position. I've already met with the controller and the hr manager. Monday I will be meeting with the president of the company. How could I prepare myself for Monday's interview? Thanks! Any comments would be great! 3 answers - Asked By: Virginia - 6/6/2009

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?