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More and more Americans are getting back to the land. The appeal of living simply and off the land has led to a growing interest in hobby farms in recent years. Whether you’re looking to grow your own food, raise animals or just enjoy the rural lifestyle, there are some essential items you’ll need to begin.
Here are some absolute must-haves you need in order to make your hobby farm dreams a reality.
1. Secure Quality Fencing and Gates
A sturdy fence is crucial for the security of your hobby farm. It serves multiple purposes: keeping your livestock in, protecting your crops from pests, and defining your property boundaries. Fencing can range from simple wooden posts with wire to more elaborate electric systems for larger animals. Don’t forget to include well-constructed gates for easy access to different sections of your farm.
2. Invest in A Compact Utility Tractor
A hobby farm is generally less than 50 acres, which means it’s just not efficient to care for the land with standard-size equipment. Compact utility tractors, like the John Deere 2000 series, have the strength to manage heavy loads on your farm, without being disproportionately large.
A compact utility tractor is a versatile and powerful tool for a hobby farm and can be used for a variety of tasks, from tilling soil and moving materials to planting and harvesting. Depending on the layout of your hobby farm, you may opt for a tractor with a rear blade, a front blade or both. For Minnesota’s harsh winters, outfitting a tractor with a snow pusher is also a wise option.
3. Pick Up Basic Farming Tools
While the compact utility tractor will do the heavy lifting, you’ll need an array of hand tools for the day-to-day tasks. This includes shovels, rakes, hoes and pitchforks for working the soil, planting and composting. A lightweight chainsaw is a wise choice, especially if your hobby farm is situated near a wooded area. Additionally, consider tools for pruning such as shears and saws, and for harvesting, like baskets and bins. Keeping a well-organized and maintained tool shed will make your work more efficient and enjoyable.
4. Get a Tiller for Crops and Vegetables
Tillers dig into the ground with blades known as tines. In other words, they prepare the soil for anyone hoping to plant crops or vegetables — a huge reason most people start hobby farms in the first place. Consider a tiller attachment for your compact utility trailer or a standalone tiller.
Tillers come in a variety of sizes, and again, you’ll want something more compact for cultivating the land on your hobby farm. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a tiller bite down into closely-packed earth, except for the delicious veggies you’ll soon harvest from that very soil.
5. Be Ready for Winter
As the seasons change, so do the needs of your hobby farm. Winter in Minnesota typically brings snow, ice and cold temperatures that can impact your daily operations. Equip yourself with a reliable snowblower or a snowblower attachment for your compact utility tractor to keep pathways and driveways clear.
Consider investing in heavy-duty tarps or greenhouse panels to protect sensitive plants. Winterizing your machinery is also crucial; ensure all your equipment has antifreeze, the batteries are fully charged and fluids are topped up to prevent any freeze-related damage. A little preparation before the winter sets in can save you a lot of time and trouble when the cold weather hits.
It’s Time to Reconnect With Your Land
When you’re investing so much hard work in a project, you deserve equipment that actually allows you to get the job done. Minnesota Equipment has all the gear you need to bring out the most in your hobby farm.
Visit one of our four metro locations in the Twin Cities or explore our knowledge center for more information about our equipment and how it can best serve you.
