The family farm can be a huge source of pride, especially if it’s been in the family for generations. You’ve looked after it and helped it along, but you want to make sure that it will be ready to pass along to your own children someday.
Fortunately, there are a few key points that can help ensure that the farm will last. If you start planning, then there is no reason why your children shouldn’t be as proud of the farm in the future as you are now.
Find the Right Funding
Throughout Canada there are many programs and options that you can turn to in order to raise cash in order to keep the farm growing. There are traditional routes, such as bank loans, but there are also a few out-of-the-ordinary options that offer great ways to raise funds.
There are many government programs that allow you to apply for funding. These programs range from helping farms in certain areas of the country to helping women who own farms to giving rebates for energy-efficient farms.
Crowdfunding is another great way to boost your capital by sharing your story with others on the internet and them donating money to your cause. They can donate as little or as much as they want, helping you to achieve the goal that you set.
Find The Right Vehicles
In order to set your children up for success, you need to make sure that the farm is stocked with the necessary vehicles to make the work easy and efficient.
One of the most important vehicles is a reliable pickup truck. If taken care of, a truck can last for decades and become the backbone of your farming operations, towing and hauling everything you need. Trucks like the RAM 1500 offer versatility and reliability that your children will use for years.
If you have the funding, you should also make sure other equipment like tractors, trailers, combines and spreaders are all in working order. If they are near the end of their life, look for opportunities to replace them so your children won’t have to.
Expand the Land
By obtaining more land, you will earn more revenue. This is a great way to build a solid future for the farm and protect against hardships.
First, make sure that you are able to expand by checking local zoning laws. Sometimes, the land right next to yours can be reserved for residential or other construction that does not fall under agriculture. Also, check to see what kind of effect your expansion will have on the environment: you don’t want to expand at the expense of the land and water around you.
If your expansion will impact your neighbors, make sure you tell them of your plans before you start. This will avoid any unnecessary altercations. You may even be able to work with them by sharing the land, reducing immediate costs.
Do your children a favor and set them up for the future by taking care of a few things right now.
Scarlett Hartman married into the farming life over 20 years ago, but she took to it like a duck to water and is often involved in what are perceived in the more masculine roles of farming. She writes articles about farming and farm life to help and encourage others.