Organic farming is important at any level: from window gardens to full farm operations. And while organic and sustainable farming practices create better products and maintain the quality of the land more efficiently, the cost can be prohibitive. Here are five ways organic farmers can save money:
Bargain Shop
For larger farmers, big machinery is a must. If you’re going to make large infrastructure purchases make sure you’re getting the best bargains. Don’t buy more bells and whistles than you need. When you search for, say, backhoe for sale look at local and national dealers. Don’t buy from private parties unless you can be confident that the equipment is in good shape, either by your own expertise or by having it inspected by a professional.
Seed Saving and Swap
Seed saving does require some additional elbow grease, but if you can swing it, you’ll reap significant benefits. By saving seeds, you are preserving heritage crop strains, which will ensure you are growing quality produce. You’ll save money on purchasing seeds and, if you can save enough of each strain, you can sell or trade the excess.
Square
You’ll have to sell your produce somewhere and somehow. If you’re selling at farmer’s markets or to local restaurants are you keeping good records and keeping a close eye on the business end? Point-of-sale hardware and software can be expensive and cumbersome. Save money on hardware, software and merchant costs by using Square, a new product designed for small businesses and portability. Square is a credit card swiper compatible with smartphones to process credit card (and cash) sales on the go. If you attach it to an iPad, you can set up a full cash register. The Square and associated applications are free and the processing costs are lower than traditional credit card merchant systems.
Compost
Yes, compost. Most, if not all, organic farmers are already composting on their farms. Specifically, sourcing additional free fertilizer for your crops in a cost efficient way. Farm to fork initiatives, in which restaurants showcase and champion local produce and products, are becoming increasingly popular. Take it one step farther by partnering with the restaurants you’re already selling to and collect their food scraps for compost. It might sound like a lot of work, but if your operation is already delivering product what’s to stop you bringing something back? With small adjustments to daily practices, you’ll be significantly reducing the quantity of waste they pay to have removed and you’ll get free fertilizer.
Maintenance
Taking good care of your equipment pays off in the long run. Preventative maintenance, like oil changes, air and fuel filter replacement, are low cost ways to extend the life of vital farming equipment. Proper tire inflation saves fuel and prevents tire blow outs. Keeping equipment like moisture sensors and cooler thermometers properly calibrated will prevent costly errors and save energy. Even cleaning equipment can go a long way to keeping it working efficiently. When you do have to purchase new, consider whether you should bargain shop and sacrifice quality or spend more for long term viability.
