Hobby farming can be a great way to become more self sufficient at your own leisure. If you are interested in starting up a hobby farm, here is some information worth knowing.
What is a Kelowna hobby farm?
A Kelowna hobby farm is a farm that people maintain out of enjoyment. It is not generally owned and operated to earn money. Since it does not bring in any money, it is less important that the hobby farm be a financial success.
You can still sell things from your property. As soon as you start depending on that income as a living, however you are no longer a hobby farmer. Instead, you are running a business.
An owner has money to spend on the needs of the farm. This is in direct contrast to homesteaders, who spend very little money on their farm.
How much land do you need?
Most hobby farms are under 50 acres, as a small-scale farm is typically between 50-150 acres. That being said, it can be much smaller depending on the type of farming that you are doing.
Hobby farms for sale in BC
When looking for a property, you need to consider what you want to do on that acreage. What kind of livestock do you want and how much land to they need? What do you want to grow? How much do you want to work off the land? How much time do you want to put into getting the land ready?
These are all questions you should consider. Once you know the answers to these questions, you can start looking for a farm that checks the boxes.
How do they make money?
As the name implies, hobby farms are not there to make money. This being said, a owner can make money by selling its extra produce, or eggs, or other products. Owners can sell their products online, at markets and co-ops, to the neighbors or in support groups.
If you want to make money off of your acreage, you might want to consider a different model. Typically these types of properties do not make money, although if owned for a length of time the value of the land can increase in value.. This is essentially by design. Most people who own have a lot of money that they can put into their venture.
The size of your property will depend largely on the livestock that you want, and the crops that you want to grow. You will need a lot more space if you want cattle versus if you just want chickens. If you want to grow an orchard, you will need more space than if you want a vegetable or flower garden.
What types of farmers make the most money?
Market-gardeners can typically make the most money off of the smallest amount of land, even up to six figures off of less than two acres. This type of farming is a very intensive farming practice that oftentimes does not involve a lot of livestock. If livestock are involved, they are on separate pastures.
If you are interested in purchasing, you should look at your budget and figure out what you want in a hobby farm. The next step is to start investing in the necessary equipment, and then get started!
