So You Want to Own a Farm Business? 3 Things Nobody Tells You 🧑🌾
So... You Want to Own a Farm Business?
I get messages all the time from people who dream about quitting their job, buying a few goats, making soap, growing vegetables, and living the simple farm life.
I love that dream. I really do.
But after running The Hippie Farmer for over 14 years, I can tell you there are a few things almost nobody talks about. Social media shows the cute baby goats and baskets of fresh vegetables. It doesn't show the bills, paperwork, or long nights.
The truth is, everybody hopes their business will make it, but it's not easy. Statistics say only about one in five businesses succeed long term, and for the first few years, you'll probably work for free. That's just part of building something from the ground up.
Here are the three biggest things people don't think about before starting a farm business.
1. Insurance and Taxes Matter More Than You Think
Nobody starts a farm because they're excited about insurance policies or tax paperwork.
But if you're making products for people, selling food, inviting customers onto your property, or running any kind of business, insurance is one of the most important investments you'll ever make. You need to think about your farm, your products, and your liability. In today's world, I honestly don't think you can have too much coverage.
The other thing people forget is that you're now a manufacturer and a business owner. That means bookkeeping, taxes, licenses, permits, and in many states, sales tax. You'll need a system to track your inventory, expenses, and cost of goods because you'll need all of that information at tax time.
None of this is glamorous, but it's what keeps your business healthy.
2. Think Carefully About Your Overhead
This is probably one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
How much money do you really want to invest?
I've actually owned three businesses in my lifetime, and my rule has always been simple: don't borrow money if you can avoid it. Every business I've started has grown by reinvesting what it earned instead of taking out loans.
Does that mean you'll work for free in the beginning? Absolutely.
But it also lets you find out whether your business is actually going to work before you're buried in debt.
A storefront sounds wonderful, but rent, utilities, internet, maintenance, displays, and all the other monthly bills add up quickly. That overhead doesn't stop just because sales are slow.
If you already have a building on your property or can start by selling at farmers markets, local events, or through a farmstand, your risk is much lower. If things don't work out, you aren't stuck making payments on money you borrowed.
Farmstands are becoming more popular every year, and they can be a great option. Just remember to check your local town regulations before putting one up.
A farmstand also comes with a few realities people don't always consider.
If the stand isn't temperature or humidity controlled, certain products can be damaged by heat, cold, or moisture. And unfortunately, theft happens. Don't put anything in a self-serve stand that you aren't willing to lose.
3. Making the Product Is the Easy Part
This one surprises people the most.
People think learning to make soap, lotions, salves, herbal products, or growing beautiful vegetables is the hardest part.
Honestly... it's not.
I'd say making the product is only about 5% of running the business.
The other 95% is building a name people remember, marketing yourself, taking photos, posting on social media, writing emails, keeping your website updated, answering customer questions, packing orders, and earning people's trust.
One of the biggest tips I can give you is to choose a business name that's simple, memorable, and easy for people to tell their friends about.
A clever name might sound fun at first, but if people can't remember it or spell it, you're making marketing a whole lot harder than it needs to be.
You can make the best soap in the world, but if nobody remembers your business name or knows who you are, nobody is going to buy it.
That's the part that takes years.
Final Thoughts
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this...
- Start small.
- Reinvest what you earn.
- Avoid debt whenever you can.
- Give yourself time to learn.
Don't compare yourself to people on social media because you're only seeing the highlight reel.
Building a successful farm business isn't about having the prettiest barn or the biggest garden. It's about making smart decisions, staying consistent, learning from your mistakes, and showing up every single day.
It's a lot more work than people realize, but if you truly love what you do, it's one of the most rewarding things you'll ever build.
With love from the farm,
The Hippie Farmer 🧑🌾
1 comment
I’m so happy and grateful that I stumbled into your business. I love Tge Hippy Farmer products. I also value the information I gain every time I visit. Jenn has lots of information and is always willing to g to share. Thank you Jenn for all that you do! I appreciate you and all of your hard work!