As we become more aware of the real, lived impacts of climate change, homeowners are experiencing a renewed interest in making the most of their outdoor spaces and reconnecting with the land. Hobby farms are becoming more popular in Australia as people realise the benefits of living off the land and growing their produce.
A hobby farm is a small-scale agricultural system that can produce sustainably grown food for your family. Most hobby farms are ten acres or less – making it more for pleasure rather than business. This setup is perfect for individuals and families who love to work with farm animals or want to grow their fruit and vegetables. Some hobby farmers work towards transitioning to a revenue-generating model. It all depends on what you want to get out of your farm and what resources you have.
Before jumping into this lifestyle change and buying acres of land, it’s important to decide which type of hobby farm you want to run. It’s worth researching how much land and equipment is required for livestock to thrive. If you’re thinking of growing or selling eggs and vegetables, visit your local farmer’s market to learn how locals buy and sell. We recommend starting small, you can always grow your farm over time as you learn more!
What better way to expand your knowledge than to learn directly from your local farming community? Even if you’re currently living in a suburban or urban area, there will likely still be people who share similar goals and plans – it’s just a matter of finding them. Look up Facebook groups! The best thing you can do in the early days is to soak up as much information from other farmers regarding tools, tips, seeds and resources.
Consider location and proximity to area values – otherwise, you might have a hard time reselling if you need to. After finalising your farming goals, take the time to map out exactly how much land you will need. Tailor your search to what you need and what you can afford. Looking for the right farm can take months or even years, so take your time and make sure the property meets your needs. A hobby farm is a big investment that cannot be easily reversed.
Building your hobby farm will rack up expenses so it’s important to break down how much money you’re willing to put into the farm, especially if you aren’t going to make a profit. Will you need to build a chicken coop or invest in one of our zero-turn mowers built for acreage property?
Farm life requires adaptability and flexibility. Test out the waters and trial different crops and a few animals. You might realise you want to change up your approach or build your crop rather than farm livestock. When things get overwhelming, take a step back and re-evaluate. Hobby farming is truly what you make of it so patience and starting slow is key.
