newcomer needs advice

[annabelle333]

I am new to all of this. We are buying 20 acres and I am looking for ways to ease into a self sufficient lifestyle. I have lived in the country my whole life but do not know goats, chickens or gardens very well. I do know horses and cattle from childhood. Where should I start with a small farm? Any starter advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks,
kmbb

 

[Ruus]

I would say to go to your library or bookstore, and read as many different books as you can about lots of different kinds of crops and livestock, and see what strikes your fancy. I think laying hens, beehives, and vegetable plots seem to be really popular starting places at the moment, at least where I live, but there are so many different things you can do with a small farm that there's no sense doing something you don't love.

 

[Animallovers1]

Laying hens are where most people start you can go on backyardchickens.com for information on chickens. And if you want to start with goats fiascofarm.com and right here are a good place to start.

 

[woodsie]

Reply to a few farm critter classifieds...I have found most if not all, myself included, will talk endlessly about their animals and setups and be extremely friendly in helping newcomers. Plus having local contacts and advice is invaluable - where to buy feed, install fencing, etc.

I was so nervous responding to ads for my first animals thinking I'd get some crusty old farmer that looks down on a newbie but that never happened, I have had nothing but positive experiences.

Btw...with 20 acres you have lots of space to fill up with critters - I'd be in real trouble, I only have 6 so I have to keep tabs on my numbers. I'd recommend starting with chickens as well especially if you are working outside of the home as they are easily managed, but don't be surprised if you get lured into all sorts of other things very quickly!

 

[annabelle333]

Thanks for all the good info! I will keep y'all posted on our endeavors.

 

[farmgirl01]

I'd start with hens and rabbits. That leadds to good fertilizer for a good garden plot for next years garden. It usually progress from there.

 

[20kidsonhill]

yup, most people love to talk about their animals and will give you a farm tour if you are up front and tell them you are just looking to learn and you don't want to jump into anything you aren't ready for.
Also, some farms that are self sufficient will offer a farm day. Look for a farm like that in a reasonable driving distance from your home.
go to your local fair or state fair and see what all people are raising.
and talk talk talk to people.
see what moves you
are you only wanting milk and eggs or do you want butchering animals as well.

rabbits are a easy place to start for butchering meat and produce wonderful manure for a garden. chickens are so multi purpose producing eggs and meat and are a wonderful asset to a self sufficient farm.
Then you would probably want to research what kind of milk you would drink. Cow or goat milk or a couple of each.
Do you want to have babies from your meat animals or just purchase young stock and feed them out to butcher, if you plan on butchering at all.

Dairy animals have to be bred every year, so having babies from them is not an option.

do you want to be just self sufficient or do you want to sell some of the things you produce? looking into your farmers markets, laws in your state ect.... Rabbits in VA can be butchered and sold to the public but other livestock has to be USDA butchered.