Over the years, the push to promote access to healthy food, including vegetable and organic food production, has created numerous programs to assist, educate, and fund small farms-and many of these programs can be taken advantage of by both full and part-time farmers. In fact, there are many government programs designed to help get new farms up and running, with tax-breaks, financial incentives, grants, and loans. That’s not to say that a farm can’t support a family or individual. Whatever type of operation you have, such as raising a few beef cattle or starting a broiler operation, farming can provide additional income, help subsidize the cost of your property, or even provide a living. Is it worth it to start a farm, even if it may not be your only mode of income? An article from the University of Virginia addresses that question, arguing that farming can be “personally rewarding” whether you do it as a hobby or a way to make a living. The vast majority of these farms, however, can be considered hobby farms, providing only a portion of the owners’ annual income. Careful consideration and planning, and in many cases financing, are necessary to get hobby farms and farm businesses of all sizes off the ground and financially sustainable.įarming is the biggest private industry in Virginia, with almost 46,000 farms across the state. While deals can still be found, finding the right land to purchase or rent at the right price can be daunting, and equipment costs can quickly add up for even the smallest operations. Running a small farm can be a rewarding hobby as well as a profitable business or side-hustle, but because of the nature of farming-startup costs are high and success often relies on experience-it’s not easy to dive right in. To continue to encourage the growth of new farms, even the USDA has put money on the line, “nearly funding for the only two programs specifically designed to support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers,” according to The Atlantic. If you’ve been considering starting a hobby farm or a small farm for profit, you’re one of thousands of Americans of all ages who have recently delved into the field. ![]()
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