We are coming up on the second-year mark of developing this small five-acre farm. I share my experiences in hopes it will help others. I’ve had some great successes and some disappointing failures. I am in the process of reviewing my own work to see where I can change processes for more success in year three. I’ve learned so much I can’t even write it all down. I’ve worked too hard, of course. I’ve spent too much money, guaranteed. I’ve often had to do things over, trying to save money, only to spend two to three times what I could have originally spent to do it right the first time. But, not in all cases. I have had to learn the hard way on many things, even though I do research a lot before I start on something. It’s just that you don’t know what you don’t know, and even if you read about it, or listen to someone tell you about it, you don’t always “get it” until you try it. I’ve had to hire help, and that was expected. Finding the right help has been a challenge. All in all, I’m ready for year 3 come what may.
The Failures
The biggest failure was to not have a well inspection prior to purchase. Water is life on a homestead. And that wasn’t entirely my fault. The water issues were not disclosed and even when I had requested a well inspection, I was put off. Only later to find out that the homeowner called the well company and told them “not to worry” about it – he had it handled. Yes, it was fraud. I’ve written often about the lack of and poor quality of the water. Those problems have been solved, but at great expense. The new well produces more than I’ll ever need, and only due to prayer and the grace of God does that well produce more than any well in this area. My other failures pale in comparison.
The garden failed the first year with the exception of growing potatoes and a few squash. Mostly due to lack of water, a very dry Spring, and my falling ill at the same time. I’m having the very same problems this year – time to rethink my entire garden strategy. I have located neighboring farmers who grow amazing produce though!
Predators killed off half my Cornish Cross meat bird flock and I ended up taking the remaining birds to a local processor which negated any cost savings in growing my own. Cornish Cross birds “stink” to high heavens and who flies in the heavens? Hawks and turkey vultures. Those chickens didn’t stand a chance. The failure was not having them secured properly.
I bought animals before I was ready for them, namely goats and meat rabbits. I ended up giving them all away. I didn’t build proper housing for the rabbits, and I knew nothing about goats. Goats, by the way, are “browsers” not “grazers”. They will eat every bush, and the tree leaves they can reach, before they will ever “mow the lawn”.Continue reading“An Honest Look at My Farm – Year 2, by SaraSue”
