kenthefarmer
Lister
Farming is one of the most fulfilling ventures anyone can undertake. There’s nothing quite like watching a seed you planted grow into something meaningful. But while the idea of starting a farm is exciting, jumping in with a loan or quitting your job outright can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Here’s why I believe you should hold off on both until you’ve got your footing in farming.
Farming is Risky Business
Farming isn’t a straight road to profits. Pests can invade, rains can fail, and markets can crash. Imagine borrowing money to start, and then losing your crop to unexpected challenges. The debt remains, even when your farm income doesn’t.
Profits Take Time
Farming is not a quick-money scheme. It takes time for crops to mature and generate income. For instance, bulb onions need at least 5-6 months before you see any returns. Livestock? Even longer. Meanwhile, loan repayments don’t wait, leaving you stuck juggling bills without income.
Costs Add Up Quickly
There’s more to farming than just planting seeds and harvesting. Expenses like fertilizers, irrigation systems, labor, and pest control pile up fast. What starts as a simple budget can balloon into an unmanageable expense list. With a loan hanging over your head, these hidden costs can become overwhelming.
Don’t Quit Your Job (Yet)
Here’s the truth: keeping your job while starting your farm is the best decision you can make. Why?
Steady Income: Your salary can help you cover living expenses and farm costs.
Time to Learn: Farming has a steep learning curve. Without the pressure of relying on it as your sole income, you can take your time to figure out what works.
Market Volatility: Farm produce prices can drop without warning. A job provides a safety net when the market isn’t on your side.
Avoid Burnout: Balancing your job and farm might be tough, but it’s less stressful than betting everything on farming and burning out in the process.
Smarter Ways to Start Farming
If you’re serious about farming, here’s how to get started the right way:
Start Small: Begin with what you can afford using your savings. Test the waters with a manageable project.
Learn First: Work with experienced farmers, attend trainings, and learn everything you can. Farming isn’t just about planting it’s about strategy.
Side Hustle: Run your farm alongside your job. Your salary will act as your capital until your farm is stable enough to stand on its own.
Reinvest Profits: Instead of borrowing, reinvest what you earn from the farm to grow it gradually.
The Bigger Picture
Farming is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and careful planning to build a successful farm. By avoiding loans and holding onto your job, you give yourself the breathing room needed to learn and grow without unnecessary pressure.
The dream of running a farm is achievable, but only if approached wisely. Take your time, start small, and let your farm grow naturally. Remember: farming is not about how fast you start but how steadily you grow.
If you’re already in farming or thinking about starting, I’d love to hear your thoughts or challenges. Let’s discuss below!
~village in
Here’s why I believe you should hold off on both until you’ve got your footing in farming.
Farming is Risky Business
Farming isn’t a straight road to profits. Pests can invade, rains can fail, and markets can crash. Imagine borrowing money to start, and then losing your crop to unexpected challenges. The debt remains, even when your farm income doesn’t.
Profits Take Time
Farming is not a quick-money scheme. It takes time for crops to mature and generate income. For instance, bulb onions need at least 5-6 months before you see any returns. Livestock? Even longer. Meanwhile, loan repayments don’t wait, leaving you stuck juggling bills without income.
Costs Add Up Quickly
There’s more to farming than just planting seeds and harvesting. Expenses like fertilizers, irrigation systems, labor, and pest control pile up fast. What starts as a simple budget can balloon into an unmanageable expense list. With a loan hanging over your head, these hidden costs can become overwhelming.
Don’t Quit Your Job (Yet)
Here’s the truth: keeping your job while starting your farm is the best decision you can make. Why?
Steady Income: Your salary can help you cover living expenses and farm costs.
Time to Learn: Farming has a steep learning curve. Without the pressure of relying on it as your sole income, you can take your time to figure out what works.
Market Volatility: Farm produce prices can drop without warning. A job provides a safety net when the market isn’t on your side.
Avoid Burnout: Balancing your job and farm might be tough, but it’s less stressful than betting everything on farming and burning out in the process.
Smarter Ways to Start Farming
If you’re serious about farming, here’s how to get started the right way:
Start Small: Begin with what you can afford using your savings. Test the waters with a manageable project.
Learn First: Work with experienced farmers, attend trainings, and learn everything you can. Farming isn’t just about planting it’s about strategy.
Side Hustle: Run your farm alongside your job. Your salary will act as your capital until your farm is stable enough to stand on its own.
Reinvest Profits: Instead of borrowing, reinvest what you earn from the farm to grow it gradually.
The Bigger Picture
Farming is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and careful planning to build a successful farm. By avoiding loans and holding onto your job, you give yourself the breathing room needed to learn and grow without unnecessary pressure.
The dream of running a farm is achievable, but only if approached wisely. Take your time, start small, and let your farm grow naturally. Remember: farming is not about how fast you start but how steadily you grow.
If you’re already in farming or thinking about starting, I’d love to hear your thoughts or challenges. Let’s discuss below!
~village in
