How to run gainful small-scale business without breaking a bank

Presumably, when you purchased the farm, you had some ideas or interests for the farm. It is important that you pursue an enterprise that interests you. If not, the hard work, in sometimes unfavourable conditions, is going to get very tiring.

Despite what you may have heard, bigger is not always better. Large-scale production is not necessary in order to ensure profitability. If anything, over expansion is one of the fastest ways to the "poor house". Efficient, well-planned operations that work within the finances and labour restraints of the operator are going to be profitable whatever the farm size. Select an enterprise that meets the limits of size and financial commitment you set in your long-range plan. Start out small, learn as you go, and try not to place such a debt load on your enterprise that you lose the fun of farming.