I took care of some pesky but necessary details this week, but it always feel good to get those kinds of things checked off the list. I got Sassafras Farm registered with the state so I can get my new tax-free number. (This allows you to buy feed and other supplies/materials for your farm tax-free. I’ve been using the old Stringtown Rising number, and I needed to get a new one for the new farm.) I followed up with registration at the local USDA office, which is the gateway to other agencies and programs. I stopped in today to pick up my soil-testing kit and get started. There are cost-sharing programs for lime and even fencing, and low-cost rentals for equipment such as lime spreaders. I want to improve my neglected fields and rebuild fencing. There are various other programs, too, so I’m just getting started. I ended my little paperwork tour with a visit to the local county extension agency to sit down with the agent and talk about my farm, my plans for the studio, my workshops, and other options and opportunities that are available.
I’m starting this farm with so much more grasp of the business of farming under my belt. I want to do things right here. I love this farm.
BJ Farm says:
I know how you feel! I love my farm. :shimmy:
On January 19, 2012 at 6:49 pm
enjay says:
Suzanne, have you read any of the salatin books? You can learn more here:https://www.polyfacefarms.com/ I know a few farmers who follow their methods and it really has helped improve the output of their farms and reduce their costs. He’s in your area (well, VA but still…) so you might check into his courses, and I believe it can be deducted as a business expense since you own an official farm now.
On January 19, 2012 at 7:00 pm
doodlebugroad says:
Bravo!
On January 19, 2012 at 7:27 pm
nursemary says:
Congratulations Suzanne! :shimmy: We tried three names before we found one that wasn’t taken. Once you register a name in CA, it is taken forever apparently. We finally settled on the Buck ‘n Run Ranch and of course, it was available. Go figure. We decided we weren’t really a farm since we don’t grow anything. One raised bed does not a farm make. So we are hobby ranching with the donkeys bucking and the emus running! In CA there are not the perks that go along with registering though. It is just so you can legally use that name when registering and selling animals and such.
Have fun!
On January 19, 2012 at 8:46 pm
TeaCup says:
Congrats on becoming more official and doing the necessary tasks to get there!
Best —
Judi
On January 19, 2012 at 10:21 pm
bonita says:
Now that you’re official, maybe you will get scads of email offers for grants and assistance. . .
On January 19, 2012 at 11:58 pm
dee58m says:
yeaaaaaa.. this is got to make you feel so good..a definite big check off your list of things to do!! 🙂
On January 20, 2012 at 2:08 am
Snapper119 says:
That all had to feel good! 🙂
On January 20, 2012 at 5:37 am
Old Geezer says:
Great news!
This country is biased toward business. I think that everyone here should take a crack at owning a business or small farm or the like at least once in their lives. It opens whole new worlds of joy and frustration. I started a small corporation 25 years ago to cover my consulting work. When the dot com bust overwhelmed it in 2003, my CPA advised closing it down. No way, I said. Some people have boats and some people have other expensive hobbies, and I have my corporation. Come 2010 and the financial crisis and it was still sitting there, all primed and ready to get back to work. Like Coco at the fence. (And earning not much more — but enough.)
Well, so much for retirement. At least when I shuffle off, I’ll do it as a “CEO”. 😀
Now wait for your first email from China offering to buy all the sassafras you can ship.
On January 20, 2012 at 5:48 am
Ms.Becky says:
I was raised on a farm. Long days, sometimes nights too. Often fighting the weather – hot, cold, snow, rain, drought. We always had food on the table that we’d raised/grown ourselves. It was a wonderful life and upbringing. I truly admire you Suzanne. And I have an enormous amount of respect for your choice to be a farmer. You have true grit. :yes: :yes: :yes:
On January 20, 2012 at 8:24 pm