How many chickens does it take to make you a chicken farmer?

[write2caroline]

I am not joking - just wondering actually.

I joined the local farm bureau and I have such a little flock but I am thinking that raising a good line of chickens is what I am interested in pursuing and I know that every place is different but I thought about it and am wondering about the actual minimum number of chickens does it take to make someone a chicken farmer. Cuz I am headed in that direction with the chicken obsession anyway!

Caroline

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Hehe well...I have about 25 chickens and my DH calls me madaam cause he says I run a chicken ranch.

 

[tcmstalcup]

We have 25 and I think my 12 yr old is quite the chicken farmer. We have lots of critters but he really knows his chickens and can really sell some eggs

 

[Peep_Show]

1-2 = pets
3-4 = hobby
4 - 10 = enthusiast
10+ = crazy chicken lady or farmer

Technically, per the govt. if you make $1000 gross on your endeavor, you're in the chicken business and they'd like to know about it.

 

[write2caroline]

So do you think it is more a function of money earned than total number? I intend to report earnings because I want the tax advantages of having a farm business. I guess I consider myself a back yard chickener but we have 4.78 acres of rural land. The idea of lowering the property taxes alone is a good idea as a greenbelt incentive. I heard if I am a Poutry breeder rather than an egg producer or a meat producer for commercial sales is still considered a "Farmer" without all the problems that come along with food production. Also a great reason to get more chickens right!
LOL
Caroline

 

[LarryPQ]

Officially: in most states/municipalities it has to do with intent. That is: what you DO with your chickens. If your chickens generate revenue--of any sort--most cities require you to get a business license and sales/use tax license.

Very few cities have provisions excluding the (occasional) sale of eggs from the collection of sales taxes.

Similarly, I believe the IRS lets you ignore (not claim) anything less than $600 of income from a single source of income. But those rules have been a little wonky lately.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I think to be classified as a farmer with the IRS your farm income has to be the majority of your income. We're totally farm income so I've never had to find that out.

 

[Peep_Show]

For the govt. entities, it's all about the money.

That being said, ag business gets some fabulous tax write-offs, but be prepared to substantiate it as it is also a "red flag" for the auditors. Too, you will find there's scads more paperwork involved than just tax return submittals if you declare it as a business. Suddenly the County will send you forms to fill out regularly to the nth detail. You will undertand what it's like to have Big Brother standing over your shoulder.... Depending on where you live, you may have use permits to fill out, too, plus sales tax requirements with your local franchise board (a resale license and/or a form if your product is non-taxable because they like to keep track).

Aren't you glad you opened that can o' worms?

 

[Olive Hill]

peep-show is right on. There is much more to being legally a farmer than just a few tax breaks (which yes, can be nice...) Personally, I am vehemently opposed to the regulation of the word "farmer" in a conventional, non-financial, non-government way. If you want to call yourself a chicken farmer and you've got a few breeders go for it! Call yourself an astronaut for all I care. But when you start talking legalities, imo, you're walking a thin line ethically if your main concern is the tax rebates. And the IRS, when they come knocking, is prone to agree with that position so if you do go that route be prepared to back yourself up with concrete evidence.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
According to who?