Being a first-year farmer is a lot harder than those Instagram influencers and YouTubers make it seem.
There’s a steep learning curve, unpredictable weather, and about a hundred decisions to make every single day. And something always goes wrong – always.
But with the right mindset and some practical strategies, you can set yourself up for a strong start – and long-term success.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Start Small and Focused
In the excitement of launching your farm, it’s easy to want to do everything at once – raise livestock, grow multiple crops, invest in high-end equipment, build out infrastructure, etc. However, going too big too fast is one of the most common mistakes new farmers make.
Instead, focus your energy on doing a few things well. Choose one or two core areas to master first. That could mean raising chickens for eggs, growing vegetables, or managing hay production. Learn the rhythms of your land and your animals. The first year is really about observation, adjustment, and figuring out what works for you.
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can always expand. But if you spread yourself too thin too early, you risk burning out – and that’s the last thing your new farm needs.
2. Get to Know Your Land
You might think you know your property, but until you’ve spent a full year working the land, you’ve only scratched the surface. That’s why experienced farmers say the first season is about listening and learning.
- Pay attention to how your soil drains after a storm. Notice which spots get full sun, partial shade, or unexpected frost.
- Track wildlife activity and observe how your pastures respond to grazing.
- Use this first year to take detailed notes – photos, maps, and journals are incredibly helpful for future planning.
Your land is your most important asset. The more intimately you understand its quirks, the better you’ll be at making smart decisions about things like planting, fencing, water access, and long-term planning.
3. Build Relationships With Local Experts
You can’t do this alone – and you shouldn’t. One of the smartest moves you can make in year one is to build relationships with people who know the land and the industry.
This includes your county extension agent, other farmers in your area, your local feed store, and most importantly, a reliable equipment dealer. You’re going to rely on your equipment every single day, and breakdowns will happen. Having a good local dealer on your side makes a world of difference when things go sideways.
If possible, find a trusted Kubota dealer near you. Kubota is known for producing high-quality tractors and implements that are especially well-suited for small to mid-sized farms. More importantly, many Kubota dealers go above and beyond when it comes to service, maintenance, and helping new farmers choose the right equipment for their needs.
The dealer relationship is strategic. They can help you scale wisely and choose attachments based on your farm’s layout. They’ll also keep your equipment running smoothly. In other words, treat this relationship like it’s gold.
4. Keep Your Cash Flow in Check
Farming is a business, and the numbers matter. It’s easy to get caught up in the romantic aspects of the lifestyle, but your farm won’t survive unless you’re financially disciplined.
Be sure to create a budget that includes startup costs, ongoing expenses, and your expected income from various products or services. And then go so far as to keep detailed records of every purchase, every sale, and every unexpected cost. Even if you’re not turning a profit in your first year, knowing your numbers helps you plan and improve.
Also, don’t be afraid to diversify your income streams. For example:
- Sell eggs at a local farmers’ market
- Offer farm tours
- Grow a high-demand niche crop like garlic or cut flowers.
These little side projects can help cover overhead while you’re building up your primary operation. (They’re also great side businesses to hand off to your children as they get older and more mature.)
5. Give Yourself Grace
The reality is that you’re going to make mistakes. (And probably lots of them.) That’s not a sign of failure – it’s part of the process. The most successful farmers are the ones who adapt and stay resilient.
Animals will get sick and equipment will break down. You’ll also have crops that will fail due to weather or timing. But those tough moments are also where the real growth happens. This is where every new farmer learns how to problem-solve and push forward.
Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly. As difficult as it can be to do in practice, focus on progress, not perfection.
You’ll also want to get good at celebrating your wins – no matter how small. The more you do this, the more you train your brain to look for the lessons and roll with the proverbial punches. By the end of your first year, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve grown, both as a farmer and as a business owner.
Adding it All Up
Farming is never perfect. Even veteran farmers have their struggles and challenges every year. However, if you’re someone who is willing to learn and stick with the process, farming can be one of the most rewarding professions out there. With a little patience and planning, you can set yourself up for years of success.