Farm diversification ideas
In this article, Jennifer Dawson looks at farm diversification ideas: Smart ways to boost your income
Farmers are increasingly diversifying into new areas, including public events, to generate profit.
For UK farmers who have embraced diversification, these activities now account for 28% of their total income and generate an extra £19,000 or more on average per farm, a recent survey by the Government’s Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reveals.
By implementing smart diversification strategies, farmers can broaden their horizons and open up new lucrative revenue streams.
In this article, we explore three ways that you could do this:
- Glamping;
- BBQ events;
- Selling farm produce.
Enter the glamping market
Glamping is becoming increasingly popular, with campsite bookings soaring 500% across the EU and U.S. in 2021.
So, if you have the land, why not diversify into glamping? Glamping demands a higher price than regular camping, which is key for long-term viability.
For example, whereas camping sites charge around £15-£25 to pitch a tent for the night, a stay in a yurt, teepee, or log cabin can command rates up to 10 times higher.
Although, of course, the more you enhance the facilities on offer, the more you need to initially spend.
Choosing the right location for your glamping site is key to attracting bookings.
Glampers are typically looking for lots of space and privacy, so choose a spot that balances seclusion with accessible mud-free pathways and good lighting.
Hold BBQ events
Barbecuing is reaching peak popularity, and you can tap into this lucrative trend by holding your own barbecue events.
To hold a successful barbecue that keeps people coming back for more, you will need a good pellet grill for searing delicious meats and vegetables.
A pellet grill with an excellent temperature control system means you will not have to worry about overcooking your food. A functional ash cleaning system also makes maintenance easy; you simply dump out the ash after every cook.
Moreover, by holding BBQ events, you can become part of the farm-to-table movement, which promotes local and/or organic food.
Local food is better for the environment, more nutritious, and tastier.
Sell farm produce
Selling produce is a relatively easy way for farmers to diversify. In fact, farms earn an extra £8,900 on average by doing this, statistics from DEFRA reveal.
In particular, you could offer customers the opportunity to ‘pick your own’ fruit and veg.
Although strawberries are always popular, your options are really limitless depending on your land, season, and customer base, and you can regularly switch up what you grow.
For example, June is the best month to plant spinach, cucumber, and strawberries, while broccoli, carrots, peas, and parsnips should be planted in February and March.
Alternatively, you may choose to sell your produce in a farm shop. In this case, it is essential you are in a good location to attract a steady customer base; it helps to be fairly close to a large town.
The growing shift towards diversification is a valuable way for farms to open up new and lucrative revenue streams.
By entering the glamping market, holding BBQ events, and selling your own farm produce, you can boost profits while serving the local community.
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