Moving to the country - lots of questions!

6 posts
Tue, 03/22/2016 - 20:42 #1

Member for

8 years 1 month
damesandy
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 03/02/2016 - 20:03

Moving to the country - lots of questions!

Hi there My hubby and I are looking to purchase a farm (150-250 acres) in NSW in the Parerson, Vacy, area in the next 1 to 2 years. Our plan is for me to learn as much as I can (reading, courses or work experience) about running a small farm. My hubby works full time but the goal is for him to eventually step back to part time with us making a small living from the farm. I would be working on the farm as well. We are looking become more sustainable growing our own veg, herbs, fruit etc thus reducing our living costs. We currently are learning about this doing courses and have begun growing our own produce. We would also like to run cattle and are looking to learn all we can to make a profit from this. We have had a small farm before and run around 8 cattle for our own meat. This time we want to have a plan and turn this into something profitable. So I guess what I'm asking is can anyone direct me where to go to begin my learning journey? I tried to access resources on this website but the links do not work as apprently the book (farming in a small way) is out of print. I would appreciate any advice or direction to get us started. Many thanks for your time Sandy
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Mon, 03/28/2016 - 11:29 #2
peter_marybank
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 02/26/2015 - 13:47

Hello Sandy

 

Quite a project you're planning - much to think through.

 

This is a good forum with a range of useful views from contributors 

 

I worked in corp Ag for 35 yrs and have stepped back now. I'm happy to chew the fat with you if you'd like.

 

Rgds

 

Peter Nilon

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Wed, 03/23/2016 - 23:52 #3
Wynarling
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 05/31/2015 - 10:27
Hi Sandy, Your state government Agricultural department website will be a wealth of information, and free! I am in WA and our department site is brilliant. You can never learn too much from reading, you will just end up reading a lot of contradictorary information, it's trial and error as to what works for you and your farm. Subscribe to local farming publications, attend agricultural shows, perhaps you library has some farming books. Good luck Angie
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Thu, 03/24/2016 - 22:49 #4
barb
Last seen: 09/17/2019 - 18:07
Joined: 11/23/2011 - 09:38

Hi Sandy,

welcome. I have the book you are referring to. It's very useful. There are a number of second hand book dealers on line and you may be able to track down a copy through them. Ag. depts in all states have some very useful handouts. Some you can download and others you can request a hard copy. This website contains a wealth of information too and also, some very experienced people who can often answer many of your questions. We are only too happy to help- we all had to start somewhere. 

 

Also, if you have friendly neighbours, have a talk to them. You can pick up some very useful info from them. Everyone will have their own way of doing things, just sort through all the info. and find the methods etc., that will suit you and your land. You can also keep your eye out for workshops on various agricultural and animal husbandry practices. there are also courses on machinery operation and chainsaw use and safety. Many TAFES run small business courses too.

 

Good luck with your new venture, I envy you starting out as it is quite an adventure learning about farming and agriculture. I have been on the land for many years and I learn something new everyday: It's what makes life worth living for me.

 

Cheers,

Barb

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Mon, 03/28/2016 - 11:40 #5
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

Hi Sandy,

The book farming in a small way was an excellent resource as it covered a wide variety of topics, unfortunately like most books some of the information they contain does become out of date and unless the original author is prepared to update them they are not republished.

That said some general farming books that you could read to get started include:

Once you get a better grasp on what you would like to do you can get then more specific.
Regards,
Charlie
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Mon, 03/28/2016 - 21:16 #6
damesandy
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 03/02/2016 - 20:03
Thank you all for your answers and such great and varied advice. I have begun looking into a few of the suggestions and and so excited for the road ahead! Thanks again! Cheers Sandy
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