If you’ve ever passed a rundown farm, you know what it looks like. Perhaps the owner hasn’t taken care of the farm because they don’t want to farm, are getting old, or can’t afford it. It could also be an abandoned farm, where the buildings and machinery have been left to rot because of a tragedy, such as an illness or bankruptcy.
If you decide to buy the farm, there are many ways to get it running again. Here are some of the main steps of the process and some tips to help you along the way.
Getting the Land in Order
Start by getting the land in order if you’re starting from nothing. Clear out any weeds or old equipment that may be cluttering up your property or obstructing pasture and field access. Also, remove any trees that fell during storms or natural disasters.
Restoring the Farm Buildings
Old buildings from previous owners will probably be on the farm, but there’s a high chance they have been neglected. You might have to rebuild all the buildings with new materials if they’re falling apart. If they are in good condition, a few repairs and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. While you’re focused on the buildings, also be sure to check on the fencing. If any essential fencing is broken or weak, you may want to replace this as well.
Taking Care of the Animals
You might have to get some animals if there are none. Or, if there are any abandoned, malnourished animals, make sure they are fed so they can get healthy again. You’ll also want to ensure that they have proper food and shelter.
Buying Farming Equipment
Of course, you need equipment to grow more crops. It will probably be necessary to get diverse types of farm equipment, such as a tractor and a combine. What kind of equipment you need depends on the size of your farm and what you plan to do with it. When you have a large farm with many acres, for example, you may require premium-quality tractors to manage the workload.
Planting Crops
Animals and people living on the farm will need food. You can do this by clearing land, digging up soil, planting seeds, and watering them every day. Of course, for the plants to grow well, make sure there’s enough water.
Conclusion: Get Your Run-Down Farm Back on Track
First, make a list of everything you need to do around the farm. Then figure out how you’re going to fix what needs fixing.
Next, evaluate your priorities. Are some things better done first and other things later, or should you work on several projects at once? If the farm has ruined buildings and abandoned animals, you may have to deal with both at the same time. On the other hand, you’ll have to buy machinery and equipment before preparing the land and planting crops.
Finally, hire plenty of employees and make sure you have the right resources, from tools to financing, to begin your project.
