Being a farmer is a tough but satisfying career and lifestyle choice. To be successful, you will need to be knowledgeable about the land, the products you will raise, and how best to sell them.
Farming in the United States contributes more than $100 billion dollars to the country’s economy. It is an important job that needs to be done, and when done well, good profits can be achieved.
It is an industry facing many challenges, from the difficulties in labor resourcing to the effects of climate change. However, now is also an exciting time for farmers with opportunities to utilize smart technology.
For those in the early years of their farming career, here are a few tips to help you to up your game and become a more successful and efficient farmer:
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Choosing the correct storage
On your farm, you will have plenty of equipment that needs to be stored securely and may also require shelter for livestock. Choosing the correct storage options is essential for the smooth running of the farm and is worth investing in.
Cheap pole barns are a popular choice. They are budget-friendly when you are first setting up and can be erected much faster than traditional barn constructions. However, they are best considered a short-term option for keeping equipment and hay away from the elements.
Steel Quonset barns are a great affordable, longer-term solution, and using a barn building kit, you can install them yourself in a week. Traditional wooden barns can require high maintenance and are prone to rot and repair work, whereas a Quonset barn does not have these requirements.
There are different types of Quonset steel barns. The best option depends on your storage requirements. A fully enclosed barn is ideal for housing livestock or storing a harvest away from pests and adverse weather conditions.
You can also look at semi-enclosed storage. These are handy for storing vehicles and farming equipment that you will have out regularly for use. Lastly, there are open-ended structures without a front or back wall. These can be used as animal runs with some adaptations or keeping equipment sheltered from light rain and wind.
Consider whether you will need insulation and ventilation for your barn storage when reviewing the different types of structures on offer.
Consider farm management software
Staying organized is essential as a farmer, and there is a lot of planning and activities that you need to schedule in at the right times of the year. This is where farm management software can come in handy; such tech can save you a significant amount of time and prevent tasks from being forgotten.
There are a number of different farm management software on the market. Some are more complex than others. You will find options with handy tools such as financial analysis, weather forecasting, and alerting and a knowledge base built by farming experts.
While farmers have managed without such technology for centuries, management software can make your life much easier as a farmer and keep you on track for success.
Build your network
Successful farmers with years of experience have built a good network of other farmers and agricultural businesses around them and can rely on them for advice and support.
Take part in local events, meet-ups and reach out to others in the business that you think you can learn from. During difficult times, the support of the farming community can be essential.
This may be a different case if you have inherited your farm from your family and have grown up knowing and participating in the role. In this case, it will be continuing trusty deals and partnerships and branding out further.
Invest in safety
Lastly, while you may have made important decisions about what your farm will produce, where it will sell products, and what machinery you need to complete tasks, investing in your personal safety should also be a priority.
Using farming equipment and handling livestock comes with risks. Protect yourself from inquiry with steel toe shoes and thick work gloves, and wear a cap and sunblock during warmer weather.