5 Tips on Making Your Small Farm Profitable

​The number of traditional farms in the United States has gone down. But these large acre homesteads are now being replaced by microfarms. As the name implies, these farms are quite small, usually about an acre or two.
 
A lot of these new growers are part-timers who farm for fun or as a way to de-stress. But don't be fooled by the small area. Microfarms can become a profitable venture. Here's how:

1. Grow Specialty Crops
   A great way to turn in a profit is to grow specialty crops. Since these crops are only grown in limited amounts, they fetch higher prices. More importantly, some specialty produce is easy to grow and are not labor-intensive. Crops like lavender, gourmet mushrooms, garlic, bamboo, and herbs can bring you a sizeable income.
   
   
2. Opt for Dual Produce
   Having a small farm doesn't put any limitations to the kind of crops you can grow. Some farmers grow two crops side by side to save space. For instance, beans, cucumbers or zucchinis can be planted in between coconut trees or bamboo. It saves crucial irrigation space and will maximize your land's profits.
   
   
3. Sell Seeds Online
   If you grow unusual vegetables, flowers, or fruits, consider selling their seeds online. There's a resurgence of interest in heirloom or natural seeds. It is due to the growing number of farmers and gardeners who feel limited by what commercial garden seed companies are offering. A lot of people are also afraid of genetically modified seeds. So, share what you have and watch your farmstead grow.
   
   
4. Have a Little Bed and Breakfast
   A quaint bed and breakfast on a small farm are another wonderful way to earn money. Convert your barn into several spare rooms or rent out any spare rooms you have. There's no deficiency of people who want to get away from the city once in a while. If a B&B is out of the question, renting out extra rooms to backpackers can be an option.
   
   
5. Open Your Small Farmstead to the Public
   Consider opening your farm to visitors, even if it's just weekends. A farm can provide adults and children with a safe environment to enjoy nature, see crops and animals up close and personal, and even learn new skills. You can charge a small fee upon entry and provide guests with an interesting activity, like picking apples, harvesting strawberries, or feeding the animals. You can even sell refreshments made from your farm or offer workshops on farming.

 
You can turn a small farm into a profitable business with proper planning and hard work. A good insurance policy will help protect this investment and help you grow your land. At Insurance Services of the West, we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (425) 681-0996. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.