Small-Scale Farming: Making It Work (without losing your mind)
If you’ve ever dreamed of living off the land, growing your own food, and running a small-scale farm, I’m here to tell you you’re about to embark on one of the most rewarding, challenging, and occasionally ridiculous adventures of your life. But let’s be honest: small-scale farming is a lot of work.
It’s early mornings, late nights, endless to-do lists, and the constant battle against weeds, weather, and animals that seem to enjoy making your life harder (have you ever tried to bring a runaway cow back to the shed?).
It’ll be easy to get burnt out if you don’t go into it with a plan (and lost of passion). A plan that helps keep both your (and your families) sanity somewhat intact.
So today, I want to talk about how to make small-scale farming work without running yourself (completely) into the ground.
Step 1: Start Small
Can you guess what the number one mistake new small-scale farmers make? Biting off more than they can chew.
I get it, because I have done it. You see those dreamy Instagram farms with acres of lush fields, rows of perfect vegetables, a beautiful barn, and happy animals frolicking in the sunset. You think, I want that, and then reality slaps you in the face like an angry rooster at sunrise.
Believe me when I say farming is hard work, and it takes time to learn the rhythm of the seasons, the quirks of your land, and the unexpected chaos that comes with livestock.
My advice? Start With Less Than You Think You Need!
If you’re growing vegetables, start with a quarter-acre, not a full one.
If you’re raising chickens, get 10, not 50.
If you’re getting livestock, start with one species, not five.
The goal is to grow into your farm, not drown in it. You can always expand later, but it’s a lot harder to scale back once you’re knee-deep in too many animals, crops, and projects.
Start SMALL.
Step 2: Systems Are Your Best Friend
Farming without systems is like trying to herd cats. It’s exhausting, chaotic, and borderline impossible.
So, automate whatever you can:
Use automatic waterers for animals. Dragging hoses in the summer is annoying; in the winter, it’s a frozen nightmare.
Set up drip irrigation for your garden. Hand-watering takes forever, and plants don’t care that you’re busy.
Invest in good fencing, especially if you have pigs, goats, or cattle. Chasing escaped animals is great cardio, but terrible for your stress levels. It’ll serve you well to learn how to make fencing yourself (I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t find anyone to help build mine and had to self-teach myself how to put a wire fence together!)
Make a Chore Schedule and Stick to It
Animals love and thrive with routine, just like kids. Feed them at the same time each day to keep things simple.
Break your week into manageable tasks. Monday for weeding, Tuesday for marketing, Wednesday for harvesting, etc.
Batch tasks whenever possible. If you’re already washing eggs, wash them all. If you’re already in the garden, harvest everything you need at once.
Small efficiencies add up. They mean less time running around like a headless chicken and more time actually enjoying farm life.
Step 3: Learn to Say “No”
Small-scale farmers have a terrible habit of saying “yes” to everything.
“Can you hatch some ducklings for me?”
“Can you add microgreens to your CSA (community supported agriculture)?”
“Can you take in this orphaned goat?”
The answer is NO. (Unless you really, truly want too)
You have limited time, energy, and space. Every new project, animal, or commitment pulls you away from something else.
Before you say “yes,” ask yourself:
Do I actually want to do this, or do I feel obligated?
Does this align with my farm goals?
Do I have the time and resources to do this well?
If the answer isn’t a clear “YES,” then it’s a definite NO.
Step 4: Diversify, But Not Too Much
Making money on a small farm often means having multiple income streams. But beware of trying to do too many things at once.
A good small-scale farm balances a few profitable ventures rather than juggling a dozen mediocre ones.
Pick a Core Business Model
Market gardening? Focus on growing a handful of high-demand crops (lettuce, tomatoes, carrots).
Pasture-raised eggs? Make it the best egg operation around.
Meat production? Stick to one or two animals before expanding.
If you’re doing too many things at once, you’ll never have time to do any of them well.
Step 5: Rest Is Not Optional
Farming is physically and mentally exhausting. The to-do list never ends, because there’s always another fence to fix, another crop to weed, another chore to complete.
But burnout is real, and it will take you down if you don’t prioritize rest.
Ways to Keep Yourself Sane:
Take one day off per week. Yes, animals still need to be fed, but you can keep it light.
Have a cutoff time. If you’re still working outside at 9 PM every night, something’s gotta give.
Get enough sleep. Being exhausted doesn’t make you a better farmer. It just makes you a grumpy one.
Do something off-farm. Take a drive, go out to eat, see a friend and remind yourself that there’s life beyond the pasture.
Step 6: Find the Fun in the Chaos
Farming is hard, yes. But it’s also hilarious, rewarding, and deeply satisfying.
Laugh at the ridiculous moments. Like when your pigs escape five minutes before you need to leave for an therapy appointment.
Celebrate the small wins. The first ripe tomato, the first sale at the farmers' market, the day you finally fix that stubborn gate latch.
Remember why you started. You chose this life for a reason. Whether it’s feeding your family, connecting with the land, or building something meaningful for future generations to come.
If you’re not enjoying the process, it’s time to step back and reassess.
Farm Smart, Not Hard.
Small-scale farming doesn’t have to break you.
With the right planning, systems, and mindset, you can make it work without losing your mind in the process.
Start small.
Set up systems.
Say no when needed.
Diversify smartly.
Make time for rest.
Find the fun.
At the end of the day, farming should feel fulfilling, not just exhausting. So go out there, grow some food, raise some animals, and enjoy the ride.
And if you ever find yourself wondering why you signed up for this crazy life? Just remember…you’re not alone.