Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Equipment You May Need
The equipment you invest in depends on what chores you want to handle yourself. It is best to
keep your investment in equipment low, but there are many chores on the farm that you will
be unable to do without machinery. You can probably get by with renting some of this equip-
ment, or using a contract laborer who has this equipment and will do the work for you. Keep
in mind that contract labor can cost about $30 to $60 per hour.
You probably could use a vehicle to get around your farm because you occasionally will need
to haul heavy loads or pull other machinery. You could purchase a tractor, but they are costly
and their value depreciates quickly. You can rent a small tractor from a machine rental busi-
ness. If you do not own a tractor and do not want to buy a pickup truck, small-scale farmers
can get by with an all-terrain vehicle that can pull small trailers, manure spreaders, and har-
rows. You can also get front-end attachments to plow snow or rent a skid steer, which is a ver-
satile machine that comes with attachments for many farm chores. These attachments include
augers for fence postholes and hay bale spears. You also can use one of these attachments to
scrape manure from dairy floors.
Many farmers have invested in the equipment needed to make hay. However, making hay is
an expensive process that requires cutting, raking, and baling. When you are first starting your
farm operation, it might be better to buy hay, share equipment with a neighbor, or arrange for
a contractor to make your hay for you.
Another chore you must consider is hauling animals to and from your farm. If you will need
to transport animals frequently throughout the year, it may be worthwhile to own a stock trail-
er, which is a trailer used for hauling cattle. You also would need a truck to pull this trailer. If
you will be making a limited number of trips, it may be more cost effective to hire a custom
livestock hauler who will haul your cattle for you for a small fee.
When choosing to invest in facilities or equipment, it is smart to look around for cheap altern-
atives. The less money you tie up in equipment or buildings, the more flexibility you have in
your budget, and the better your chances are of making it in the long run.
CASE STUDY: FULL CIRCLE FARMS
Dennis and Alicia Stoltzfoos
Owners, Full Circle Farms
Live Oak, Florida
