by Sharon Jones
Having a small holding to work on is a great way to make yourself money, as well as save money on usual daily essentials, such as food shopping. However, when you have a specific farming business you’d like to see meet profit targets a little more often, and you’ve only got a small parcel of land to achieve this with, you’ve got to be smart about the way you use it.
And with that in mind, here are some of the best ways to turn that small holding into farmland that’s capable of generating a much bigger profit. It’s all about knowing the market, and using your space wisely, and that might be easier than you ever thought possible.
Grow the Right Plants
Growing and harvesting crops can be a lengthy process, so you’ll want to get as much bang for your buck as possible. That means you need to know what fruits and vegetables are in high demand, and what’s going to be worth tilling the soil over.
Growing small, flavorful herbs is always a good call, such as Basil, Lavender and Cilantro. They don’t take up much room, grow fast, and they’re in high demand from a variety of groups. Bigger, profitable plants include Bamboo and Wheat.
Rent Out Your Land
One of the best ways to make a bigger profit off of your confined space is via renting it out to other people in need of arable farm land. Maybe as an allotment space, maybe as a kind of recreational field (e.g. for festivals), or maybe even as a storage or animal holding area, if you’re located in an area that’s known for things like animal sporting events.
Indeed, you may have to refine your land a little to suit the purpose here. For example, getting an equestrian barn builder on board if there are many horse owners and riding competitions in your area - you may even be able to start your own school at some point, depending on local interest and your own skill. It could be a great way to substitute your income.
Reconsider What Animals You Keep
Of course, some animals are more cost effective than others, and even when you’ve got the space to keep a few sheep, it might not be the best idea to bring them onto your land. Indeed, one of the most profitable animals to keep, in terms of their upfront cost and return profit, is cattle.
Considering how large the meat industry is, and the high demand for local products out there currently, you can make a very large profit here. And considering your sustainable practices of keeping a small herd, human raising, and shipping over short distances, the meat your produce will be worth more than any other.
A small farming business doesn’t have to be constrained by its physical size. There’s a lot you can do to make good, profitable use of your land, so keep the above ideas in mind.