Starting your own berry farm is a great way to make some extra money. While this type of business might not be for everyone, it can provide a steady income for those who are willing to put in the time and effort. It is important to do your research first. Read up on the different types of farms available and the rules and regulations governing them.
Whether you choose to have a small pick-your-own operation or a more traditional operation, you need to consider the up-front costs and how much you can afford to invest. Some of the most common up-front costs include soil amendments, irrigation, and fertilizer. Organic fertilizer can cost up to $900 per year. You may also need to purchase a drip irrigation system and a water pump.
Pick-your-own farming can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Compared to conventional farm operations, a PYO operation has less overhead. This means you can focus more attention on the actual picking of produce. However, you should be careful to avoid exposing your customers to pesticides. If your business is going to be open to the public, you will also need to invest in customer service training.
The biggest variable when it comes to PYO sales is the weather. A local produce grower can expect a premium price for his or her berries if the weather is right. Most farmers start out slowly. One of the best ways to find out what’s going on in your local area is to attend county fairs. Many of these events have an advertising component that is fun and can be a good way to promote your business.
In order to be successful, you will need to develop a marketing plan. This can mean experimenting with contests and giveaways. For example, if you are trying to develop a mailing list, a free produce giveaway is an ideal way to do so. Other ideas for your marketing campaign might include using a local newspaper or radio station, or a craft show. Your local newspaper is likely to be interested in stories relating to human interest.
Depending on the size of your operation, you may need to invest in the best tools. Purchasing a rototiller, a walk-in cooler, a weed eater, a cooler cart, and a seeder are all options. Keep in mind that you will also need space to keep your crops tidy. Also, you will need to invest in a good point of sale (POS) device. Using a Square point of sale is a good choice for this type of farm. It is a quick and easy to install solution that allows you to accept payments online or offline.
As you consider how to start your own berry farm, remember to take into consideration your state’s regulations on food products. Doing your homework will give you the information you need to make an informed decision on what to sell and how to go about selling it.
