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If you’re working on starting a small farm, you’ll need substantial equipment. Luckily, you don’t need anything too large-scale since you’re working with smaller land. However, it’s still a significant investment, so make sure you have the funds or credit to take out a loan.
A pro tip: If you have neighbors with a farm, consider building a shed between properties so you can share infrequently used equipment to cut costs!
Tools
Regardless of whether you plan on building things for your farm, you’ll need some tools to make basic repairs if needed to find expensive rocks. Of course, a regular toolbox and a drill will do. Other than that, you can rent or buy any other tools you need for projects along the way. It can be easy to spend all of your money on unnecessary tools that you’ll only use once or not at all. So don’t go buying everything at once.
Fencing
Every farm needs a fence, especially if you have livestock you don’t want to escape. In addition, it is necessary to keep pests and other animals away from your vegetables. So if you’re going to build a fence DIY style, you’ll need a post-hole digger and your preferred type of fencing. Post-hole diggers can also be used for planting trees and other small projects, so you can keep them for future use.
Compact Tractor
A tractor is one of the most critical components of a farm. Since you’re running a small farm, a compact tractor will be the most cost-effective and space-effective option. You can use specific attachments for herding livestock, mowing the lawn, tilling, plowing snow, digging, and more.
Safety
Farming is a tough job, even if you’re just doing it as a hobby. So you need to protect yourself from extreme heat and harmful UV rays. It’s pretty inexpensive to do so with specific tractor attachments, like a John Deere sun shade canopy and cup holders for water.
If you struggle with remembering to hydrate yourself throughout the day, consider setting alarms on your phone to remind you. Additionally, wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin, so take a few minutes to apply a layer in the morning. You can quickly threaten your health and safety on the farm if you don’t take it seriously.
Pick-up Truck
Large or small, a pick-up truck is a farming necessity. You’ll need it to transport supplies from the store and drive on rugged terrain that regular cars can’t handle. Additionally, they can carry heavy trailers for livestock and heavy-duty equipment. However, you may try to farm without a pick-up truck at first, but you’re going to have a hard time. Plus, you don’t need anything fancy or expensive. So an old, used truck will do.
Livestock Equipment
If you plan on raising livestock, you’ll need adequate equipment to care for them. This includes feeders, a sanitary water supply, sufficient space to roam, and a comfortable place for them to sleep. It will also include finding handling equipment like crushes, crates, marking sprays and livestock prodders for sale. Even though livestock can be profitable, you shouldn’t take on the job if you cannot provide a spacious, humane environment for your animals.
ATV/UTV
Unless you plan on riding your tractor around the whole time, you’ll need something else to navigate and carry materials around the farm. Most farmers find that having an ATV or UTV handy makes the job significantly easier. With one, you can save energy and become more efficient in your daily tasks. Plus, UTVs with a trailer can bring supplies to places on the farm your pick-up can’t reach – they’re relatively inexpensive.
Garden Equipment
If you plan on growing crops, you’ll need more than just a tractor. Gardening on a larger scale takes a considerable investment of time and money, so you need to ensure that you have everything before getting started. However, if you’re a beginner starting with a relatively small vegetable garden, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Containers, a raised bed, or a spot in the ground with healthy soil;
- Soil (if using containers or a raised bed);
- Mulch;
- Fertilizer or compost;
- Plant food to mix in the water;
- Gloves;
- Hand trowel;
- Garden fork;
- Spade;
- Pruning shears;
- Wheelbarrow.
Lawn Equipment
Aside from maintaining your crops and livestock, you’ll need basic lawn care equipment. If you’re farming for money, your land should look neat. However, if your clients see dead or overgrown grass, they may think you’re just as careless with your product. So buying a lawnmower or mowing attachments for your tractor is critical. Additionally, you’ll want a weed trimmer to cut around the edges to leave your yard looking clean-cut.
Conclusion
If you’re considering running a small farm, you’re in for some hard work. But with the right equipment, you’ll find that job manageable and rewarding. Just be sure that you’re only buying what you need to start so you don’t go overboard and waste your earnings on unnecessary supplies.
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