Are You Ready To Start A Hobby Farm?

When looking online at farm pictures or videos, you will often see only the highlights of farm life. People typically post cute animals and beautiful scenery that paints a picture of tranquility. Farm life is hard work and definitely challenging at times.

When we moved to our home we had no intentions of ever having a farm. I have always loved horses but I never thought I would ever have the privilege of having them at home. People often say the gateway to a farm is chickens but for us it was horses!

In this video I will give you some things to consider before YOU start YOUR hobby farm!

Have you checked local By-Laws and Zoning requirements?

Before you consider purchasing animals you need to determine what animals you are allowed to own according to your township or area where you live. We live in Ontario so it may be different compared to the area that you live in. Some areas have a lot of restrictions which prohibit certain animals. We are zoned agricultural so we were fine to have horses.

Make sure you research the type of animals you are considering to purchase. You need to be certain you have adequate space and pasture. You need to research the type of fencing that is required to keep your animals safe. Fences for horses are very different compared to fences for goats. Goat are escape artists and would not be contained with wooden fences utilized for horses.

Shelter for each type of animal you are going to have is your next priority. You can not house all animals within the same space. We built an outdoor shelter for our horses which gives them a place to get out of the sun, wind, rain and snow. We also built a chicken coop for our chickens. We would not house horses and chickens together. If you are considering expanding your farm, make sure you keep this in mind when you are building shelters. Can you add on to each building or do you need a separate building all together if you needed more space?

If you are planning to have any livestock that eat hay you need to determine if you have the space and equipment to grow and harvest your own hay or if you will need to purchase hay. It is important to find a reliable source to purchase quality hay. We have a local farmer that we purchase all of our hay from.

Storage is your next consideration. We use a shipping container to store our hay. We place a screen on the front of the shipping container during the summer months to help with ventilation. I prefer storing our hay away from the horses due to the potential fire hazard.

Depending on where you live, you will need to find a local feed store that you trust and can assist you with feed related questions. When you are new to farming it will take you a little while to get things straight. You should inquire about the cost of feed and any supplements that might be required. The price of feed is increasing. Some animals require more than just regular feed. This is something to investigate prior to purchasing the animal.

What will you do with all that manure?

Manure management is one of those things people often do not consider. We deal with horse, chicken and rabbit manure. All of these animals produce a lot of manure and it has to go somewhere! You either have to pay to have it removed or find a local farmer that is willing to allow you to spread your manure in their fields. Keep in mind you need appropriate equipment for this.

The key to being successful is being prepared. As you start your farm journey, you will be continually learning along the way. Do not expect to be an expert immediately. With time, patience and experience you will definitely learn how to run your own hobby or small farm.

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