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Somebody (Grace?) linked to the WSU Small Farms site- they're really good at providing ag econ information. For what you're talking about, I'd also recommend getting in touch with whoever is already selling stuff in your area: one thing with is absolutely true about the kind of specialty products you're talking about is that more vendors in a locality is good for all of them, up to a very high number. People still come from out-of-area to the Oly Farmers Market for garden annual starts, nursery plants, perennials, bulbs, and cut flowers because there are sufficient vendors for there to be a choice among a wide selection; having three butcher shops and two seafood ones has increased sales for all of them.
Most people who are making a living from their small farm have at least one family member working a job with benefits or they are young retirees with a pension and health coverage. If you're trying to sneak up on quitting your day job, you need to have a whole lot of information from people who know your area, your proposed products, and your suppliers. The Extension Service is always the first place to ask.
Thank you!! as for the day job, right now my husband is the one holding down the fort! This would be my day job!....and night job.....and weekend job....
Oh and that was Ultasol that gave the website,, I was just on there! Man there is tons of information!!! It's awesome!! Maybe my husband won't be so tough on me when he sees the fact that WSU is actually trying to help small farmers succeed, and they have information on marketing.... the whole nine yards!!
Somebody (Grace?) linked to the WSU Small Farms site- they're really good at providing ag econ information. For what you're talking about, I'd also recommend getting in touch with whoever is already selling stuff in your area: one thing with is absolutely true about the kind of specialty products you're talking about is that more vendors in a locality is good for all of them, up to a very high number. People still come from out-of-area to the Oly Farmers Market for garden annual starts, nursery plants, perennials, bulbs, and cut flowers because there are sufficient vendors for there to be a choice among a wide selection; having three butcher shops and two seafood ones has increased sales for all of them.
Most people who are making a living from their small farm have at least one family member working a job with benefits or they are young retirees with a pension and health coverage. If you're trying to sneak up on quitting your day job, you need to have a whole lot of information from people who know your area, your proposed products, and your suppliers. The Extension Service is always the first place to ask.
Thank you!! as for the day job, right now my husband is the one holding down the fort! This would be my day job!....and night job.....and weekend job....
Oh and that was Ultasol that gave the website,, I was just on there! Man there is tons of information!!! It's awesome!! Maybe my husband won't be so tough on me when he sees the fact that WSU is actually trying to help small farmers succeed, and they have information on marketing.... the whole nine yards!!
