In this article, Helen Wilson looks at how to create and promote a farm from scratch.
It is never easy to start a brand-new business for yourself, especially if you do not have much experience in it and do not know where to begin.
What to hold onto happens in the same manner when starting your own farm. Where should I start?
In the meanwhile, you can break the operation down into a number of manageable tasks, and if you adhere to them completely, you will soon find yourself the owner of a productive farm.
Finding an idea that you like is the most difficult part of this process. However, merely sympathising with goat farming, poultry farming, or gardening is insufficient.
Furthermore, you also need to consider your region’s climate and your financial limitations.
Of course, you need to be aware of the market trends where you plan to sell your goods. Select your niche once the list of potential industries has been reduced.
A business plan is a foundation
You need to plan the necessary expenses and expected revenues before you start your enterprise.
You will need a business plan in order to find financing for your project as quickly as possible.
You can, of course, draw up this plan yourself, but today many offices offer such a service, including agricultural advisors. The main thing is to understand what a business plan should contain.
- Summary;
- A couple of paragraphs describing the project, mentioning how much credit you will need, giving information about certificates and patents (if any);
- Description of the enterprise;
- Type of business (farming) where your farm will be located. If you already have a farm, you need to describe its achievements and performance in recent years;
- Description of products and services; what advantages they have over competitors;
- Market analysis and marketing strategy;
- Production plan; product sales plan; financial plan;
- Describe what staff, equipment, materials, and raw materials you will need;
- It is imperative to assess the risks – think about and note what losses are possible because of them – and how you can put the situation under control.
Learn from farmers
Learning about the farms already in operation is a crucial first step in developing your own farm. To get around here, consider attend a local agricultural college.
These provide training programmes, where lectures are given, and you may be required to complete a work placement component.
Furthermore, staff may also assist you with creating a business strategy and grant application.
Where to get money?
The issue is where to get the money. It is incredibly uncommon in our world for a new business to just have all the money needed.
So you have a few options: seek a loan, participate in crowdfunding or find an investor – the latter of which is more common overseas.
With an agri-business, you can attempt to seek an investor if the idea has the potential to generate a sizable revenue; you must keep in mind that the investor will receive a portion of your company.
Crowdfunding is a contemporary method of raising money for good ideas that might not bring in a lot of money.
Land
With land access, you may be in a position to rent or buy depending on circumstances, including those of a financial nature.
Then, you will need equipment and supplies. You can make purchases anywhere – in the nearest agricultural store, for example.
The main thing here is to choose a trusted supplier so as not to jeopardize your entire farm.
In recent years, many people have preferred to buy equipment, fertilisers, raw materials, seeds, machinery, and animals at once in one place – in agricultural stores/local co-ops or at machinery auctions/
Find a worker
Finding an excellent worker requires a lot of effort. However, there exist businesses that assist the farmer in locating qualified agricultural workers who are not frightened of hard work.
Make sure the individual you hire complies with all regulations so you can prevent major problems at work.
Complete all paperwork correctly
The efficiency of the farm depends not least on the competent execution of documents, but few farmers can boast such skills.
Everything is nonetheless achievable on your own or with the assistance of an accountant who will calculate taxes, produce invoices, complete declarations themselves, and send them to their intended recipient.
New technologies make life easier
Keep up with contemporary advancements to make your laborious work easier. Get the best advice possible, for instance, from a vet or agronomist remotely.
Use all the ‘smart farm’ features, gather all the knowledge you require about organic farming, and even set up automated sanitation controls.
Where to sell?
Farm products are currently in high and steady demand everywhere. Choose the strategy that works best for you: attend fairs, set up a booth at the market, or create a shop.
However, selling farm products online should be your main focus. Join a cooperative instead; among other things, they frequently provide excellent discounts.
It is important to keep in mind that things need to be advertised to be known; create a brand and a design, and it will be much simpler to sell them.
Keep an eye on exhibitions and conferences
Be sure to meet your colleagues, and attend thematic exhibitions and conferences – every year, there is a huge number of them on the narrowest and widest farming topics.
Meet like-minded people, and get to know your competitors! Talk about yourself, share your own experience, and learn about the experience of your colleagues.
Bio
Helen Wilson is a professional content writer and assistant writer at Essaypay.com company. Her main spheres of specialization are health, productivity, and self-development. She also provides help with coursework to students.
