How do I make enough money at home to not work in the city?

[farmergirl]

Right now, I live and hobby farm on 10 acres. I have sheep, hogs, chickens, ducks, horses and potbellied pigs. And, lest I forget, a handful of goats. I have staked out a 1/5 acre plot for this year's garden, but am waiting for rain. The area is a part of my sheep pasture and needs to be disked up at least once to try to kill/ break up the pasture grass (pasture used to be hayed twice a year so I've got some serious grass to contend with!). I work fulltime at an office job in the city, a 40 mile commute one way. Hubby's commute is 60 miles one way. Hubby is attached to his job and plans to work there forever. I've tried and tried to figure out a way to make enough off the farming to replace the income I'd lose if I abandon the city job eventually.
My heart is on the land, not in a flourescently lit mega-office.

Anyone know the secret for netting around 18K a year doing just farming?

[Timeless Rogue]

At some point recently, while doing research to answer just that question, I read I believe in one of Eliot Coleman's books, that you should be able to net somewhere around $6,000 per acre annually if you are using intensive gardening methods which would give you your $18,000 off of just three of your ten acres. I'll take a quick scan through my books and edit this post with the exact reference so you can check it out yourself.

In any case, I highly recommend 'The New Organic Grower' and 'Four-Season Harvest' by Eliot Coleman (if you haven't got them already.)

Well, I'm back with that info already (I guess this old memory is not so bad after all!) It's in Chapter Three of 'The New Organic Grower' where he is discussing scale, capital investment, amortization, operating costs, that sort of thing and his figures, based on a five acre farm, would indicate a net profit of $6,000 per acre for the five acres.

So ... I'm not speaking from my own experience here, just reference to his work but it sounds reasonable and I am using his numbers as a rough guide to my own future.

Good luck in breaking away from the corporate world!

[Bellepepper]

First you need to figure out how much it is costing you to work. Car, fuel, cloths, lunch out, take out for dinner on the way home. Cook all your meals at home and don't buy ANY cloths. Now, how much do you need? Are you selling eggs? Goat milk and cheese? Don't know your area but fresh herbs are in demand. So are fresh cut flowers. You named several animals. Are they pets or do they have some responsibility. The list goes on and on but last but not least, cutting your income by 18K will lower your tax bracket. Uncle Sam may just pay you to stay home.

[PhilosopherStorm]

check out SpinFarming.com

It could well be possible to make far more than you imagined.. on far less land..

PhilosopherStorm

[dirtundernails]

We are a family of six living on less than $ 18K per year ON PURPOSE. Granted, we have no debt ON PURPOSE. Excuse my hollering, it's just that I hear "Oh, well, you are one of the fortunate few", too often. Let me tell you, we worked HARD for no debt for for five years. OK, back to your question, Bellepepper is so right. Consider also, the price of food in the market. If you grow a pound of carrots, how much time would you spend in the office to buy those carrots? When I factored this in, I could really see staying home as being a huge benefit.
Making some money is inevitable, but you can decide what you love or want to do. Then step up production so there is extra to sell. There is someone willing to buy just about everything.
My hubby tells a story of a fisherman who catches two or three fish each morning, and then goes home and spends the day with his family- having fun. Along comes a business man telling the fisherman that with his success in fishing, he could spend more time fishing each day, and make way more money. The fisherman wanted so know why. Big business man talked about retiring some day with enough money to spend all day with his family.
Books are an excellent resource for basing a decision like this one. "The Have More Plan", "Your Money or Your Life", "Ten Acres Enough", "Better Off", and more were our inspiration.
I'm starting on pottery myself.

dun

DUN's hubby here..... We gave up the rat race in Denver over 6 years ago to LIVE life. Much less income, much more living. All our 2 income big city freinds thought we were nuts. Now they are just jealous mostly. Crazy thing is, with Zero debt, slighty older cars, one income, and work from home, we have a far richer life, happier kids ( 4 of 'em ), and far fewer problems, and, at the end of the month we have about the same abount of coin left in the pocket.

Here are my basic thoughts on money.

Get thee out of debt.
Get thee of Wal Mart.
Shopping is not a sport.
Buying used is not a sin.
Buying things you don't need, no matter the price, is a foolish use of money.
He who dies with the most toys, is still dead.
A penny saved is a penny and a half you don't have to earn.
Working for others is working FOR others.

Bottom line, figure what you need to live if you have no debt, and raise a portion (or all?) of your own food, and can do without the latest wonder wiz bang electric frog polisher and tofu maker.

Hubby of DUN.


dun again, just want to add a reason for the low food budget: buy in bulk, and cook from scratch. The large outlay of cash for bulk is a hard lesson after being taught to be a consumer-minded American, but is truly cheaper. Onca-a-month cooking websites and "make your own mixes" on a search engine will inspire the researcher.
So glad to hear your desires. It's nice to achieve these dreams.
:D dun

[PhilosopherStorm]

Dun and hubby,

Absolutely right! I keep hearing how it is impossible for a family to get by on even two incomes today, and I keep pointing out where huge amounts of money are wasted (cable, highspeed internet, eating out, cell phones, etc.). I have lived well below the poverty line for my entire adult life (there was one year where maybe I rose above it) by choice and I constantly hear from friends how jealous they are, but then they complain that they cannot do it because they cannot lower the level of desires that they have.. To which I respond, "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours."

Keep it up!!

PhilosopherStorm

[wilderness1989]

First you need to figure out how much it is costing you to work. Car, fuel, cloths, lunch out, take out for dinner on the way home. Cook all your meals at home and don't buy ANY cloths. Now, how much do you need? Are you selling eggs? Goat milk and cheese? Don't know your area but fresh herbs are in demand. So are fresh cut flowers. You named several animals. Are they pets or do they have some responsibility. The list goes on and on but last but not least, cutting your income by 18K will lower your tax bracket. Uncle Sam may just pay you to stay home.
Exactly!! Do all your homework to see where you stand. Specially if you have childcare. Your car insurance will go down if you stay home, figure at least a dollar a mile you drive your car if you are making payments and gas is $2.00+ a gallon. Be realistic. Hope this helps.
John

[farmergirl]

Thanks for all the encouragement you guys!!! I keep thinking that if we believe this will come true, it will.

I have a tremendous amount of energy and would happily dig post holes for myself instead of sell products for someone else!

[Timeless Rogue]

With that attitude, my dear, how could you possibly lose? And that's what it takes ... for life in general but especially for something like you want to do. A positive outlook and attitude will win every time ... and you have to believe ...

[donsgal]

First you need to figure out how much it is costing you to work. Car, fuel, cloths, lunch out, take out for dinner on the way home. Cook all your meals at home and don't buy ANY cloths. Now, how much do you need? Are you selling eggs? Goat milk and cheese? Don't know your area but fresh herbs are in demand. So are fresh cut flowers. You named several animals. Are they pets or do they have some responsibility. The list goes on and on but last but not least, cutting your income by 18K will lower your tax bracket. Uncle Sam may just pay you to stay home.

I agree with you. The OP needs to take a good, hard look at lifestyle here. Just getting rid of a second car will save thousands, the way the price of gas is going these days - not to mention maintenance, payments (if any) and insurance.

The OP does not go into her lifestyle much, but I find that nearly EVERYBODY can find areas to cut back. Dump the cable TV/Satellite, use one cell phone instead of two - and subscribe to the minimum plan, etc., there are a zillion ways to cut back! Shoot my dh and I live WELL on $18,000 a year! If we can do it, anybody can.

donsgal

[rjzatyko@yahoo.com]

Hi, This is my two cents on the subject and a lot of people woun't like what i am going to say, why are you working? Is it for the money?Is it for the benfits(pension and such)? Is it for medical benafits(health care)? Does your husband make enough money to support you(if you quit your job) or if he doesn't and that might be one reasons why you are working?If you quit working will the place he works at pay for your medical benafits(health care)? Health care and money are two important issues that you need to think about? I am retired from bell system,i worked there for 31 yrs.I have my medical from them(wife also on my insurance),it isn't the best but it is something.I didn't type that just to brag,i feel health insurance is very important to have.I feel if a person doesn't have it they are up the creek. A lot of people have these pie in the sky dreams(if you quit spending money here and there you can make it) and most of the time they never come to fruit.If you get my drift?It takes money to live unless you want to live hand to mouth(pay check to pay check),no pun intended. I am not saying that you can't make it on your land to support yourself(plus health care),it is a big gamble and only you can make that choice no one else can. Only you would be the one to suffer if you fail and not these people on this forum(me included)would suffer at all if you take our advice. I wish you good fortune in what ever choice you make. Also i would do a lot of praying to God. richard from ky.

[Timeless Rogue]

Yikes, Richard! What's with the negativity?

A gamble? Life itself is a gamble, my friend. Living off your land is not ... it's a given. Many of the folks in this community do have 'outside' jobs ... for the money and health care. Many of us do not ... and survive just fine thank you very much! Yes it takes money to get by in today's world. But it certainly doesn't take a gazillion dollars, as some seem to think! That money comes from our land via our gardens and our livestock.

So you see, this is the life we choose ... to live with and off of the land ... all of which is a positive way of life, both health wise and money wise. Positive for us as stewards of the land and positive for the land with us as its stewards

Cheer up, dude! Life is grand ... if you let it be ...

[PhilosopherStorm]

Chosing to work instead of live is a gamble as well, for you may never get the chance to live...

[Pharmerphil]

I applaud everyone of you, It has never been a goal of mine to achieve beyond the point of enjoyment, and that is what the folks who have all the toys do, RV's set on blocks, New wrap around decks..that Never get used, the list goes on, why have these things if you have to spend 90% of both of your time working to pay for them.

[rjzatyko@yahoo.com]

Yikes, Richard! What's with the negativity?

A gamble? Life itself is a gamble, my friend. Living off your land is not ... it's a given. Many of the folks in this community do have 'outside' jobs ... for the money and health care. Many of us do not ... and survive just fine thank you very much! Yes it takes money to get by in today's world. But it certainly doesn't take a gazillion dollars, as some seem to think! That money comes from our land via our gardens and our livestock.

So you see, this is the life we choose ... to live with and off of the land ... all of which is a positive way of life, both health wise and money wise. Positive for us as stewards of the land and positive for the land with us as its stewards

Cheer up, dude! Life is grand ... if you let it be ...
Hi, I think that you need to get a life and cheer up. By what you wrote to me i feel that you are a very very "negative person" because you don't like what someone else thinks or feels.So you go into your spel and mouth is in gear and brain is "not working".If you don't have a job then i guess that you are on welfare "a blood sucker" who takes money from the rest of us who pay our fair share in tax's from our jobs and everything we purchase.I don't know where you get this "gazillion dollar" thing from,again just because some one else doesn't think the same way you do!!!! I said no such thing about a set amount of money to have in life or to live on? I guess that your head is in the clouds and that you don't have any common sense,it sounds to me that you are one of those "pie in the sky people" that i talked about,again braindead.Life is a gamble,but a person has to be wise on how and what they gamble on.I guess again, that is to hard for you figure it out.I know people from the 70's who were the flower children -druggies also-,are you are smoking anything that is against the law and is clouding your judgement????Who were going to live off of the land(just like you said) and they said they didn't need to work or have a job(boy you sound a lot like them).They said they didn't need the money,the land would provide everything that they would ever need(again, just like you said).You know what?Most of them are on "welfare"now!!!!!!!! I feel that they think the way you do,living off of the land is not a gamble. I guess that is what you would choose by your reply to me.Hey dude you have a nice day,but the more i think about it i doubt if you are able to.All you have upstairs is just "negative feelings" and no "positive feelings" and i feel very very sorry for you!!! richard from ky.

[Timeless Rogue]

Richard, Richard, Richard! Dude, all I can say is ... 'Wow!'

[PhilosopherStorm]

Richard,

I understand what you are saying about those sorts of individuals who are not responsible and are simply trying to live off of the labor of others. But the nature of this question as I understand it, is how to be responsible, covering all expenses etc. and still not having to work for someone else in the city. Certainly there was no suggestion that no job would be had, or that there would be no work involved. I have no job in the sense of working for some company, but certainly I cover all of my expenses (which are few because I am responsible) and save for the future. I am simply self employed, which is what the suggestions that have been made here amount to, a form of self-employment.

Surely you have no problem with self-employed folks or selling goods do you?

[Phillip]

Right now, I live and hobby farm on 10 acres. I have sheep, hogs, chickens, ducks, horses and potbellied pigs. And, lest I forget, a handful of goats. I have staked out a 1/5 acre plot for this year's garden, but am waiting for rain. The area is a part of my sheep pasture and needs to be disked up at least once to try to kill/ break up the pasture grass (pasture used to be hayed twice a year so I've got some serious grass to contend with!). I work fulltime at an office job in the city, a 40 mile commute one way. Hubby's commute is 60 miles one way. Hubby is attached to his job and plans to work there forever. I've tried and tried to figure out a way to make enough off the farming to replace the income I'd lose if I abandon the city job eventually.
My heart is on the land, not in a flourescently lit mega-office.

Anyone know the secret for netting around 18K a year doing just farming? You could go organic. Organic stuff sells for a quite a bit more than conventional.

[zebraman]

Hey Farmgirl;First of all you live near the Greatest City in Texas.Also if your Passion is in the land How could you fail?Here is the Deal-You are focusing mainly on keeping your current rate of salary.Forget about this for the time being.Get a Buiseness License and have Cards printed.with Buis.Name and Phone #.Inquire at Restaurants (Up Scale)and find out what Epicurean Veg.s are popular and will grow realativley easy for your area.Also consider growing Corn Smut.Very Hot Foodie Item.$$$.Grows well in your neck of the Woods.Also check out Florists and see what types of fresh flowers you might be able to offer.Also Hoop Houses for "Baby Salad Leaves" I have a Website for this somewhere when I find it I'll IM you.You state you have a husband who will continue to work while your'e learning to fly.You Couldn't ask for a better situation.The only stumbling block that is in your way is "how to keep the 18k."This is the 1 reason you are still in the office.Also pick up a couple of books on small scale farming-many avail.Make contacts and follow through.

[Bloo]

I agree with you. The OP needs to take a good, hard look at lifestyle here. The OP does not go into her lifestyle much
donsgal

um maybe i missed it, who is the OP? :o

btw some of you maybe interested in this group

(i run it on yahoogroups)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DropOut

[Timeless Rogue]

Bloo, I think that is Other Person ... without naming names ... or calling names as some (who shall also remain unnamed ... not out of fear but out of respect) are want to do (but not in this case!)

[dirtundernails]

I thought it was Original Poster, without having to go back to first post and look at the name?


dun

[rjzatyko@yahoo.com]

Richard,

I understand what you are saying about those sorts of individuals who are not responsible and are simply trying to live off of the labor of others. But the nature of this question as I understand it, is how to be responsible, covering all expenses etc. and still not having to work for someone else in the city. Certainly there was no suggestion that no job would be had, or that there would be no work involved. I have no job in the sense of working for some company, but certainly I cover all of my expenses (which are few because I am responsible) and save for the future. I am simply self employed, which is what the suggestions that have been made here amount to, a form of self-employment.

Surely you have no problem with self-employed folks or selling goods do you?
Hi, philosopherstorm I will try to make this as simple as i can.I have no problem with self-employed or people selling goods to make a living. It is none of my business what other people do to make a living. I am a person who minds their own business.A person asked for advice on this site and i replied to them. Just like some other people had replied also to the post. Lo and behold a person from the northern part of the country starts calling me degorative in what i had written.That person i replied to and i told him that he is dangerous and does not have a sound mind.So if i have to explain that to you, then you missed out on how he replied to me. Or you don't feel the same way i do about it and that is ok.I am retired from the phone company and i have a thick skin from having to put up with peoples gruff,while working in homes fixing their phones. But i don't have to put up with name calling here or put downs on how i reply.Unless i am out of bounds on my posts,then i would expect someone to straighten me out.I don't put anyone down on what they write here. I would read it and if i didn't like what they posted,then i would just keep it to myself. U'all have a nice day and this site ain't for me anymore. richard from ky.

[Timeless Rogue]

Good morning, Richard ...

Aye, dun ... it could very well have been 'Original Poster' ... probably was ...

[PhilosopherStorm]

Richard,

Rereading the thread reveals that in fact no one was derogative to you, though you chose to jump to personal attacks then the negativity and implied insults you employed were cited.

See what civility is so very important? You took personally the observation that your post was negative (objective fact) and responded by attacking TR. This escalation is without merit or cause. Could you have gotten across the notion of caution without the implied insults, assuming that was the point of your post? I suspect so.. Had you done so, then there would have been no negativity in your post to comment upon.

Sorry that you decided to take your ball and go home, as I have enjoyed some of your post. If it helps at all, I am on the fence about leaving as well since Jere and Andrew have encouraged and employed personal attacks themselves.

[Bellepepper]

Why don't we stick to the subject and help this lady find ways to stay home from having to "punch the clock"? Bet she never thought she would be raising such a ruckus. If we would stick to the subject of gardening, well... we could discuss the pros and cons of planting potatoes. But,That would be another thread.

[Pharmerphil]

Good Grief :confused: guess You be about right belle...Hard to tell from here what the original post was about :rolleyes:

[ceresone]

I was at a sale last weekend, it really brought a few things to think about.i went to school with one of the people 60 years ago.
she got sick, and was in the hospital for 32 days, then a month in care-assisted facility' no insurance. they had a farm, and a business left him by his father. farm was in childrens name. hospital took it all!! sheriff said farm hadnt been in childrens name for 7 years, so it didnt count. they had been fighting for several years--selling all household items was the last straw. they have a small apartment in senior housing now.
so, i think part of what rjzatyko is saying makes good sense, just as you plan on making money at home, and i hope you make it, make plans to protect yourself and your family from the "unforseens".

[CruzAK]

I think that the specialty food market is what you may want to focus on. That corn smut thing or another specialty item or 2 or 5(what ever you find does well in your part of the country). Like what was stated in an earlier post. Also, it takes just as much money to raise 'pet' animals as it does to raise purebred, heritage, rare breed or registered animals for market or specialty sales to individuals for eating or as pets. Do you have farmers markets or swap meets in your area that you could sell at? Low over head is key, or are you near a well traveled roadway that you could set up a stand near? or work a deal with a land owner who is by a road so you can have a stand?

[Alaskan Janet]

We decided 7 years ago to leave the big city (Columbus, Ohio) and move to Alaska to begin a more simplier life style. We don't have TV or telephone. We haul our water since we don't have a well. We have never been happier. Here are some ideas to consider to make your dream a reality. As several others have suggested, give up the cable. Just have basic phone and internet service. Use phone cards for long distance. If you have 2 car payments, sell one car and buy an older vehicle for cash. Heat with wood if possible. Check out Mel Bartholomew's books on Square Foot Gardening to determine if that would increase the yield of your garden, for more produce to sell. Explore the possibilties of "barter and trade" (which is a way of life for a lot of Alaskans). There are several websites about self-sufficient lifestyles that are full of ideas and suggestions. By selling things that you grow, and getting ideas from others, I believe that you will be able to achieve your dream in short order. Good Luck! Hope this helps you out!

[Pharmerphil]

would love to see some photos of your area Janet

[KarenChrisRS]

Are you familiar with the magazine Mother Earth News? It is a wonderful "homesteading" magazine published since the early '70's, and has a wide range of ideas and demonstrated successes as regards just this question. I've been a (sadly urban!) subscriber for years (aside...it went through sort of a "rough" period in the mid-80's. It is back to being really good now.) One of the main things you will find there is ideas about productive ways to market your produce (of many sorts) via the very-very-valuable internet. (My suggestion from experience, start via a simple web-site, PayPal, and eBay).

[LoreD]

Had you thought of talking to the people you and your husband work with. You might see if they would be interested in a CSA where you would provide them with weekly seasonal produce. Once a week you could drive the 20 or 40 minutes and have the people pick up their vegetables and berries at a parking lot or home.

LoreD

[dandelion meadow]

LoreD's suggestion is one to heed. The more you can do with people on a personal basis the less dependent you are on larger structures that could come and go - like farmer's markets, etc. However, these are also very valuable, just don't depend on any one support system.
If you are willing to raise animals as meat:
Some friends around here raise goats, beef, pigs, chickens. They sell the beef and pork direct to families wanting a half or quarter. The animal goes to local butcher, is packaged as not for sale, customer pays farmer for the portion of animal and processor for packaging. The goats are sold through the regular channels for selling animals. Eggs are delivered to customers who request and fellow employees of the wife, who works outside farm 3 days/wk. There is a demand for meat that is grown free range and free of hormones, anti-biotics, etc. Consumers are very leary now of supermarket meats and eggs. Customers tend to be very loyal and repeat purchases yearly. The friends have had no extra meat for the last few years. If ever an animal does fall ill and require antibiotics, that one is later, once well, sent to the sale barn. The trick is to throughly work out the logistics of doing this. Many growers won't bother with this because it is easier and sometimes more profitable to simply take all to the sale barn and be done with it, cash in hand.

Also, have been self-employed for 13 years now, with currently three small different types of businesses- one with herbal products I make, one is a service, and the other is a distributorship for a health product. This book, although not specifically about agricultural endeavors, has been very helpful with all three businesses;
Homemade Money by Barbara Brabec. She has mentored many with her books and advice.
The main thing is to do your homework, research thoroughly, get excited about whatever, then wait - see if it floats away or if you really are ready to commit to that idea.

This site is quite helpful. No charge for their help and info. Their purpose is to help small sustainable agricultural businesses succeed: http://www.attra.org/

Here in Missouri we have AgriMO, which is state sponsored to help agriculture. They really do give a great deal of support to many small and large farmers. Even if you aren't in MO, you might find their site a source of ideas: http://www.agrimissouri.com/ Check with your state to see if they have similar.

[Jodi]

DUN's hubby here.....
Here are my basic thoughts on money.

Get thee out of debt.
Get thee of Wal Mart.
Shopping is not a sport.
Buying used is not a sin.
Buying things you don't need, no matter the price, is a foolish use of money.
He who dies with the most toys, is still dead.
A penny saved is a penny and a half you don't have to earn.
Working for others is working FOR others.

Bottom line, figure what you need to live if you have no debt, and raise a portion (or all?) of your own food, and can do without the latest wonder wiz bang electric frog polisher and tofu maker.

Hubby of DUN.
:D dun

I think this is an excellent topic!
I appreciate Dunn's hubby money advise.
we made some sad choices early in our marriage and cost us. GET RID OF CCs! If you can keep control of yourself you could consider having one for fuel so that you could make some miles for traveling. But remember, consider it as cash spent and pay off EVERY MONTH! Get out of all debt! ! ! ! This costs you much more than you probably will ever realize.

Always ask yourself. . .do I really need this?
Can I wait? Can I make a substitution that is less pricey?
Why am I buying this? How and where might I find this at a better price?
Remember, it cost you more to have a new car with payments than a slightly used car that is totally paid off. If possible OWE NO MAN ANYTHING.

Make yourself a budget and live within it.
Write down all current spending--all of it. YOu'll be surprised what and where you are spending. Then take a deeper look and say where can we cut back. Remember time is better than any toys. . .for adults or children.

Elliot Coleman's books are excellent. Seen his place myself. Turned my husband on so now doing something similar is his dream.

One thing from experience is to start small. You don't know if the business you have in mind will take off. If it doesn't you don't want all your eggs in one basket.

And speaking of eggs. Trade if possible. You might be surprised who would consider trading for something you have. Tomorrow I trade squash and tomato plants for organic honey. Last week I traded goat's milk soap for eggs.

I do know that animals are expensive to keep and feed unless you are already set up for non-traditional farming. Gas prices are rising so consider something that isn't going to eat you out of house and home before you really make a cent. The extra expense of NAIS if it comes into fruitition will be costly too. I have some friends that all they do is at home things. Chicken eggs and meat have been a big thing for them. But one of the mmarkets let them go this past winter and they had just expanded their flock to acommadate the egg demand. Now too many chickens; now to meat rather than eggs. And with the threat of Nat'l IDing it could cost them all the flock because they are too small to take in the extra expense this would be to them. This isnt' to discourage you, but to share the realities that are out there. One thing in this world that is constant after God. . .change. Be flexible. This will be your biggest lifesavers!

However, if you think you have a market, have the extra money already, can stay within a budget, willing to be flexible and go after and consider different markets and the animals are your passion then don't let it stop you. Consider reading All Flesh is Grass book for a little of non-traditional animal care.

I have found some of my best books at local used book stores. YOu might find these a helpful read too:
Sell What YOu Sow!
The Flower Farmer
Backyard Marketing

I cannot recall where the person if from on the original question but you should consider saving a bit of money and taking a trip to areas that are rich in farmer's markets. Talk to these people see what they are selling. Drive into the communities. You may not want to grow exactly what they are growing, but ask why they think this item is a popular seller. They can share their experiences and you can see what other people have come up with in part of their making a living from home. Ask questions.

One thing is to ask yourself is if plants/gardening that I really want to pursue for my at home business? Or do I just want to be at home with a business I can do enough to make some extra money and then be able to do my gardening any time and any way I want? There is a big difference in doing the gardening thing just the way that please you in every way to making it a business.

Make a business plan.
Where do you want the business to be in 5 yrs? 10yrs?
At what costs or sacrifices?
Who is going to do the marketing? Who is going to take care of the accounting end of things? What hours are you willing to spend a day? A week? Are you willing to go to markets no matter how early you have to get up? Who is going to run the plants or animals when you are away? Believe me this is a vital question that you must have an answer for.
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY. You must have input from your family to make it work. Are they willing to work with you if you need extra support financially, physically, emotionally? Why or why not? And make a plan that works for ALL family members. REmember once you start a business at home it will be with you 24/7. So what are you going to do to keep your boundaries and family together? How are you going to handle it if the business doesn't go as planned? How long can you not make at least a small profit? Is this workable with the budget and current living expenses. (Really best to reduce, reduce, reduce first before starting any business!)

I encourage you to make a list of everything you are currently doing, individually and as a family. Prioritize them to how you are currently living this list. THEN how you'd like to be living the list. Then take a look to see what needs to be changed to make the ideal list be your life. It can be even more exciting if you can get all family members to do this and then come together. They might have insight for you too.

And some really personal advise. . .no matter what keep God and your family THE priorities in your life. And when you make your list. ..keep them on top. A couple books that might encourage you in this and to stay off the hamster wheel of life that goes so fast you can hardly see: Escape To God and Empowered Living.

OK, I hope that at least help a bit.
Don't be afraid to dream. . .never know where those clouds might take you! :)
Jodi

[mobi]

I'm reading a book called MICRO ECO-FARMING :prospering from backyard to small acerage in partnership with the earth by Barbera Berst Adams . It is published by :New World Publishing ,copyright 2004. The ISBN # is 0-9632814-3-7(pbk). I have enjoyed the book so far, she has various stories about people that have done and are doing just that and ideas for ways to create your own niche. Good Luck !Mobi

[HillsideDigger]

No time to elaborate, just a couple brief suggestions.

Get rid of most all the animals, they are an expensive luxury.

Learn how to support yourselves off the land and then apply the same technigues to growing crops to sell to others. Of course, this implies learning what combination of crops makes up a yearround healthful and satisfying diet.

I believe you will find the amount of land and effort needed to support even a few chickes for eggs or a cow or goat for milk,cheese, butter,etc. is large. Buildings for said animals are expensive, much less feed supplemnts and vet expenses.

Learn to grow from seeds you have saved from one season to the next.

I would like to be able to live on no more than the annual IRS standard and personal deduction and thats about 18K for a couple (and if you itemize, then the expenses of a home based farm can be largely deducted).

AC and heat, refrigeration and hot water, even electricty are expensive luxuries for which substitutes can be found.

Who needs health and life insurance?

Stay away from doctors and pharmacists, human foot, hand and willpower are more productive than machinery and might maintain your health. No guarantees.

[Liberty_Man]

Why don't we stick to the subject and help this lady find ways to stay home from having to "punch the clock"? Bet she never thought she would be raising such a ruckus. If we would stick to the subject of gardening, well... we could discuss the pros and cons of planting potatoes. But,That would be another thread.

Folks.. i know Belle and Farmergirl have probably moved on to friendlier places by now.. but if not i'd of asked some questions. Anyone? What's a pro of planting a potatoe? I don't know myself.

Right now, I live and hobby farm on 10 acres. I have sheep, hogs, chickens, ducks, horses and potbellied pigs. And, lest I forget, a handful of goats. I have staked out a 1/5 acre plot for this year's garden, but am waiting for rain. The area is a part of my sheep pasture and needs to be disked up at least once to try to kill/ break up the pasture grass (pasture used to be hayed twice a year so I've got some serious grass to contend with!). I work fulltime at an office job in the city, a 40 mile commute one way. Hubby's commute is 60 miles one way. Hubby is attached to his job and plans to work there forever. I've tried and tried to figure out a way to make enough off the farming to replace the income I'd lose if I abandon the city job eventually.
My heart is on the land, not in a flourescently lit mega-office.

Anyone know the secret for netting around 18K a year doing just farming?

FG.. if you are still around. There wasn't enough information in your first post for me to narrow down all the possibilities. Do you have a product to market? Something to sell? or a service? Any hobbies you enjoy.. that kind of stuff. Wouldn't do me any good to tell you how to do something you don't like.

[Susie]

Could you learn to live on less so that you didn't have to go out to work?

[Emerald]

Hey folks, Farmergirl hasn't been back to the forum since Sept. 20 2006. This poor thread is over 3 years old.
I would just make a small suggestion- if this thread's topic was something you want to comment on, maybe start a new thread for the folks who are here now? Just a thought. Not a criticism or anything.

[Susie]

Oopsie!

[Liberty_Man]

Hey folks.. i know which thread i post to... i posted to it because i like the information in here and i'd like to discuss it here.

Emm. i didn't know i wasn't supposed to talk in this thread... i can let it die down in the basement just as easily as starting a different thread. I don't want a different one. So if you think it's best we don't talk in here for any reason.. I'd like to know.. but then i don't care either. I just didn't know we weren't supposed to talk about certain threads. I happen to like working for myself.. i think other people would too.

[ALAN B .]

I live on less than $10,000 a year , But it's a struggle and I am very Frugle !! How you ask ? I own my home on two acres and have my own milk - meat - and eggs !!! plus fruit and veggies in season . But If I had to pay rent , I would be HOMELESS ... ALANB .

[kefirmaven]

I live on less than $10,000 a year , But it's a struggle and I am very Frugle !! How you ask ? I own my home on two acres and have my own milk - meat - and eggs !!! plus fruit and veggies in season . But If I had to pay rent , I would be HOMELESS ... ALANB .Tell us more, start a new thread since the OP hasn't been here in ages. Sounds interesting AlanB, This life of yours, tell us more!

[Jodi]

I don't know if we need to start a new thread...unless totally off the subject. I would like to hear a few things. Been limited since an auto accident so cannot go keep a regular job as my spinal injuries cause limitations. Sounds too weird but I can clean a small goat stall better than vacuuming or washing dishes--cannot even think of mopping. Sounds like an excuse? A big no, as of after nearly 4 yrs you'd like to have the ability to do it. Anyway, someone mentioned things you like to do as options, or things you are already doing....make soap, write, draw & paint (landscapes and pet/animal portraits are my favorite), taking photographs, gardening and starting plants ;o) I am good with working with animals (use to start young horses which I cannot do with physical condition now), I make good bread and granola, and even had strawberries through October in the patch...just a few things I enjoy and can do. But then what do you really do with them? How do you market in this economy? For some people they need questions to even get to this point. What are you doing all ready? What things do you do that others compliment you on? What do you dream about doing? Is it actually a task? or is it how you benefit someone?

Any ideas or brainstorms? Any answers could be useful for all of us. Sometimes answers are right there and sometimes we just have missed them somehow.
OK, your turn.

[Emerald]

Hey folks.. i know which thread i post to... i posted to it because i like the information in here and i'd like to discuss it here.

Emm. i didn't know i wasn't supposed to talk in this thread... i can let it die down in the basement just as easily as starting a different thread. I don't want a different one. So if you think it's best we don't talk in here for any reason.. I'd like to know.. but then i don't care either. I just didn't know we weren't supposed to talk about certain threads. I happen to like working for myself.. i think other people would too.

Nope not saying you can't post where you want but dude- your answering folks who haven't been seen here in 3 years, that's all. Just like before you brought up a thread of a person who had just passed away, and it upset some folks. I can see bringing up threads that are only a few months old but really-3 years or more old. Maybe we should all go back 5 years to the archives and just randomly bump stuff up.

[Susie]

The Archives are wonderful! There's always stuff to add to those topics...no sense in repeating it all over again, when you can just bump a thread with information on it.

But if someone's died or something...it would be nice to be told about it on their threads if they pop up later.

For the record...I hope that some of my better threads go on and on and live forever.

[Liberty_Man]

Nope not saying you can't post where you want but dude- your answering folks who haven't been seen here in 3 years, that's all. Just like before you brought up a thread of a person who had just passed away, and it upset some folks. I can see bringing up threads that are only a few months old but really-3 years or more old. Maybe we should all go back 5 years to the archives and just randomly bump stuff up.

Which part of my first post didn't you understand? Understand now?? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzxi-GqYY8&feature=related) I'm not talking to the dead people.. i'm not marginalizing their words either. I have explained myself over and over again. (http://www.idigmygarden.com/forums/showpost.php?p=349594&postcount=26)I do not think a persons words should be hidden and buried. They spoke those words so that people here would be able to read them. I am here.. you're here.. there are many people here. I don't have to talk to people to hear their words.. they're already spoken. They're already written down. And they're already all in one thread where they join other posts to add up to alot of information all at your fingertip. Not searching around for a newer thread on the subject with one or two posts in it. Which by the way i did check for first... there wasn't one.

Anyways.. i don't know why people are afraid of old threads.. if you tell me you don't want a thread posted to ahead of time then i'll know. If there is someone in the thread you all can't stand.. then i'll know.. if you have something in the threads you may be ashamed of and not want to show the newer members.. i can understand that too. Give me one reason why everything i do gets nit picked and i get told not to do something after the fact. I was told i could answer old posts.. by several people.. i think you may even of said it yourself once. I'm gonna go back and find out.. but you can read.. you can see where this very subject of talking on old threads (http://www.idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?p=351454#post351454) and of Gma having died has already been discussed and settled.

I don't mean to pick at you.. i hope you don't mean to chastise every thing i say. When do we get to talk with others around here without being talked at? Not to.. no.. i mean talked at. Seems everyone talking in almost every thread is talking at people.. not to them. Hardly a single person has answered any questions i've asked them. So let's keep that streak going. :) (http://www.idigmygarden.com/forums/showpost.php?p=350399&postcount=31)

OK.. now i lost my place.. i was gonna respond to something above.. now i'm too lazy.. i'll get back by tommorrow and give a response. Here's a link to some business idea clips (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=small+business+ideas&search_type=&aq=1&oq=small+bu)

[gagardengirl09]

There is an incredible amount of information in this thread. Thanks to everyone who has shared. I grew up with my parent's gardening but I at 49 years old grew my first garden this year. I also had my first sweet potato patch. Man did I grow some monsters!. I will post images if anyone is interested. I jumped up and down like a little kid when we dug the sweet potatoes. It may be my first but NOT my last.