Saturday January 28, 2012
The depths of winter are the perfect time to work on planning. And for many small farmers, that means writing their first business plan or updating their existing one. With tax season around the corner, you can be extra efficient by combining tasks - take care of the financial section of your business plan after reviewing the previous year's income and expenses.
I know, I know - thinking about things from a business standpoint and being formal about business plans isn't for everyone. And you might not need a formal business plan. But if you're even thinking about selling a farm product to the public, you should take a look at the process and steps. The experience of working through a business plan can help you formalize ideas and a business concept. It all starts with brainstorming, which is always fun. If you get overwhelmed, just take it one step at a time and don't rush.
Wednesday January 25, 2012
Mmm...doesn't it sound about time for some freshly grown greens? Yep, you can do it in January - with a heated greenhouse, or a cold frame or polytunnel in warmer climates. Microgreens are healthful and easy to grow. They're also an appealing niche market for some small farmers. Whether growing microgreens is right for you will depend on a few factors, especially your proximity to high-end restaurants who use them to add a flavor punch to dishes. But microgreens are growing (sorry for the pun!) in popularity among home cooks, too, so you might find buyers for them at your local farmers market. They're easy to experiment with on a small scale, so give it a try! The process scales up easily to greenhouse-sized production.
Sunday January 22, 2012
It's January -- not a bad time of year to order honey bees for the spring. Although the season seems far away, this is the best time to place orders for equipment, too. Order now, before the apiaries get swamped, and before they sell out! Demand is soaring for starter sets of package bees that the beginning beekeeper can install into a hive, because so many people are wading into beekeeping these days. It's a rapidly growing hobby.
So, read up on how to keep bees, the supplies you'll need, and where to buy them, and happy beekeeping!
Thursday January 12, 2012
Training dogs on the farm requires a large investment of time and energy. You must be devoted to teaching your dogs commands, generalizing to different settings, and maintaining them by working them regularly. There are many uses for dogs on the farm: they can serve as livestock guardians, herd sheep or other animals, or simply provide personal protection from unwanted intruders. Many farmers also hunt and use dogs to retrieve waterfowl or flush game birds.
Training can take many forms. Electronic collars, when used correctly and judiciously, can be a positive addition to the toolbox. We have had great success working with our rather dominant dog with an e-collar and a professional trainer. The Sportdog 1225 is what we've used, and I've written a thorough review of it.
