Ep 24: How to Start a Farm From Scratch

[@michaelbok4034]

My son got started like you. After working with an elderly man for a few years the elderly man decided it was time to retire. He and my son set up a 7 year plan for my son to buy him out. Currently they split the money with my son getting a 30% split. They farm about 800 acres. They're in year 4 of the 7. I wish you well!

[@timkopf4457]

I wish I had the same scenario as your son. Did the old man farm alone, or did he own a large farm with a lot of people. Also how did they meet?

[@turboturtle5819]

@@timkopf4457 Dwight, the old man, farmed alone but didn't start until almost 60. He inherited most of the land from his family. My son lives just down the road 1.5 miles. They cash rent some of their acres they farm.

[@timkopf4457]

@@turboturtle5819 oh nice! Your son is very lucky then. Maybe I'll find an old man with a farm😂. Thank you

[@2Ryled]

Woooow 800 acres. How wonderful!!!

[@jasonhill451]

Ijzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz7z7z7z7xyz

[@tiernanmcgonigle3397]

“Farming is more than just a job. It’s a way of life.” In the words of Grassmen “Agri is our culture”

[@parkerloman7924]

im 13 years old trying to get into farming i have bought a case 970, a john deere 6 row 7000 planter, a 14 foot IH disk, and a IH 1460 combine with a couple of old heads. my dad owns a 25 acre patch that i farm and i have a couple of other 5 acre patches from the neighbors. I work for my dad doing construction and he helps me buy seed and pesticides. This video has helped me plan my financial situation.

[@michaellavelle109]

I’m 14 living in suburb MA and my dream is to go to ag college and farm my grandfathers land that he farmed 40 years ago in PA. Good for you keep workin hard

[@royaltydiesel6734]

@@michaellavelle109how did life work out for you guys?

[@royaltydiesel6734]

how did life work out for you guys?

[@alexandriatownsend119]

Oh my goodness, I admire you so much. God willing you're still doing this, I see this video is from 3 years ago.

[@clinthardeefarmvideos5846]

Hey man. Your story and my story are so similar it is crazy. I started a first generation farm in 2017 as well. Never worked on a farm before and had no equipment of my own. I am and have been in the process of making a video of how to do this as well. Every one of your points are 100% right on target. I started out with 120 acres now I’m up to 400 this year and almost doubling next year. Only difference is I’m organic. Only reason I started to Farm organic is the return on investment. It flips those numbers completely 180 degrees. Soybean prices I got last year were $23 a bushel and corn was $9.90. But you do lose on some yield. Almost -25% of county averages but the back end pays a lot more. I can not stress enough, have other income.i started out with 1 tractor, disc, planter, row cultivator, and rotary hoe. Hired spraying foliar fertilizer and harvesting until I could afford my own stuff. I roll the money back into the farm each year until I can afford to work it full time. Farming in general is very hard. Farming organically is stupid hard and time consuming. But I love what I do. Keep up the good work brother.

[@ClarkeFarms]

Clint Hardee Farm videos love to hear that story! I have nothing against farming organic either, the only reason I haven’t tried it is I’m afraid of losing money in the 3 year process to become certified. Best of luck!

[@StephenMortimer]

Betting the farm on a fad ??

[@clinthardeefarmvideos5846]

Hey it could be a fad. And if it ever goes away and falls on its butt I can always switch to gmo and spray everything. It’s all about the bottom line and can you make money to grow your farm and compete with the local big farmers. I hold no ill will to any type of farmer.

[@oe542]

@@clinthardeefarmvideos5846 Been thinking of doing the same myself. Probably not organic, mostly because I wouldn’t have the time to input. All types of farming are a fad. Agriculture is agriculture weather you’re milking goats to make your own cheese, growing and brokering hay all over, raising beef cows in Florida or growing corn and beans in the upper Midwest. I’m 39 and have a good job thats not Ag related. I want to transition some how, someway in to Ag. Is it going to work? Who knows. I could fail. That’s ok. I’ve only got 1 life to live and I’m not gonna wonder what if. Thanks to Clarke farms and thanks to you. Good luck to both of you.

[@2Ryled]

Do you mentor people???

[@renemllermadsen8509]

I have the biggest respect for you man you are smart :) and know what to do

[@Iceman_4440]

I am 14 and farm 20 acres and this is very helpful for the future so I can grow and be smart with my money

[@windmillfarms2845]

We all gotta start somewhere. Good on ya man! Great video

[@sitpaintandplay3881]

This video deserves a lot more praise. I've grown interested in farming and not saying this shut down my dreams of it but it definitely made it a reality, with a family of 4, maybe just looking into doing a side gig or helping somewhere would be a more reasonable option in getting my feet wet. Appreciate all the work you did for this.

[@samdodson9721]

I’m trying to do the same thing you are bud.thanks for being a good source of encouragement

[@polymaticsim]

The numbers say no! the heart says yes! sometimes you just follow your heart better to have failed trying than never tried at all, much respect to you, it's a hard life but so rewarding.

[@MrBer43]

I’ve farmed all my life here in South Texas, 90Mi S/W of Houston. People used to say I was lucky, I had good land and worked hard often 7 days a week. A old farmer told me if you work long enough and hard enough one day you will be lucky.Iv been retired 14 years this September and am 77 Yrs old. Good Luck Young Man and God Bless You🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BarneyGumbl3]

"Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation"

[@sargentsavage6911]

I can’t wait till I get a little bit older to start my own farm this was you best video yet

[@ethanhanes9542]

I’m only 13 but i know i am going to be a first generation farmer and this was VERY helpful. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@angieburkhart3852]

Wow. Very impressive. You talk like a much older wiser farmer. You are exactly right about the older farmer, and he's taught you well. I hope he's doing good.

[@Bappo504]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been wanting to be a farmer since I was 3 years old. You’re really a massive inspiration for me

[@1969mackenzie]

Great video, bud! I know how your partner feels. I had a growing hay operation when I became 100% disabled. Now I watch farming videos all the time. It's all I can do to keep the 5 acres, I kept, mowed for a couple horses. So hat tip to you bud. Keep learning all you can from this fella. That's worth more than money. I really enjoy your vids.

[@chrisgreeby3056]

My wife and I have started a small farm in eastern Pennsylvania, I run a tri axle dump truck business and that is how we’ve paid off our equipment. We currently make hay to get into farming. I have worked on dairy, turkey and crop farms, the problem with here is we’ve become the warehouse state and the fact that the land wh-res here run $70 dollar ground to $200 an acre. My wife and I are going to be traveling out west to look for a small farm to buy and look for off farm work till we start cash flowing. Your video was amazing and inspiring. Thank You So Much

[@hendrik1636c]

Well done. I'm south african farmer that is working in USA for farmer. And I'm here with the mindset of starting to farm on my own. You are a great example for upcoming farmers. God bless.

[@rxtr7815]

Hello, may I ask how you get a permanent visa?, I am facing this problem right now, I am planning to emigrate and become a farmer in America just like you. P.S. I wish you only the best! God bless

[@hendrik1636c]

@@rxtr7815 need to apply for greencard and have job offer

[@rxtr7815]

@@hendrik1636c First: Thank you very much for your fast answer but i have still one big question: What kind of job offer? Does it have to be an offer from a large company or can it also come from a small company such as a family business? It would be great if you could give me an answer to that too =) (Sorry if I kinda steel your time, but this hole thing is very important to me)

[@hendrik1636c]

@@rxtr7815 doesn't matter. The company will have to sponsor you,meaning they will have to pay for the greencard and also proof that they can't find any good enough help in the usa.

[@rxtr7815]

@@hendrik1636c Thank you! =)

[@rongrose3746]

Thanks for being so open about how you got started !!! Wish you the very best !!

[@SonneFarms]

Could I borrow the $100, I promise ill bring it back

[@jerryg.9655]

I Seriously have a lot of respect for you having the guts for starting from scratch! Stay safe!!

[@dixiecharmestatesalesva]

Very very good job . You did wonderful , and you told it like it was . It’s extremely hard to farm at all much less the way your doing it and showing it . Thank you .

[@arunbishnoi7130]

A very humble way to explain farming. I wish you success from the core of my heart. Bless you.

[@PoppaJ938]

Thank you so much for your honesty! Stay in the fight brother!

[@stevebiddle8912]

Well done young man!! I’m originally from near Brookston just north of West Lafayette. Born & raised on 400 acres. I’ve been a subscriber for 3-4 months and enjoy each of your videos.

[@williamunderwood5153]

Respect to you man nobody has gave ya nothing but your making your way and serving our country see ya on the next god bless and thanks for what you do for the country good things comes to those people like you that puts in the hard work

[@ChizmarFarms]

Great video and thanks for the honesty. My wife and I started our farm 10 years ago with 7 tillable acres and have been growing our size a little bit every few years. We are in a similar situation where we have great support from a farmer friend. I built a break-even analysis sheet in Excel to show bushes vs price. It is impossible to break-even this year no matter the yield with this year's prices.... Keep up the good work!

[@al.r9280]

Nice job, I appreciate your being honest with the numbers. I'm starting farming as a way to retire that keeps me active. I have a good job and still don't have anywhere near enough money to buy anything that resembles newer equipment. It really is a way of life.

[@heronsteedley3860]

Thank you for taking the time to explain many details that go on behind the scenes in the life of a farmer. There are many struggles that come along with working in agriculture but the rewards of doing what you love and making something out of little to nothing is amazing and fulfilling. Your videos are really interesting and I greatly appreciate you putting content out. God Bless

[@tedmroyer]

Thank you for sharing this. Great content.

[@nicholasnunn2764]

I will tell you I’m in a very similar situation and I appreciate your advice when it comes to starting out with an older man who wants a good future of his farm and legacy.

[@mhgeast5000]

I haven't a clue on Farming economics, but totally enjoyed this video on a whole number of levels. Not the least is your drive to succeed on what You build. Keep it up and We're pulling for your success.

[@nathandinsmore623]

Really enjoyed your story and how it could be done.

[@danielakin7638]

Your story and mine are really similar except the old farmer was my dad. He had been retired though for 10 years the major line of equipment had all been sold off so I was starting with old tractors and dad helped me get my first Bean drill. I started farming and I farmed 60 Acres. I now Farm 240. It is extremely hard to rent land down around Evansville Indiana. So the only ground I farm is ground that my dad owned. From the beginning I also have worked a 40 hour a week job. I use my job to live and my farm is separate so very similar to you. I don't have a combine but I got hooked up with a very good guy in our area that custom Harvest for me and hauls the grain to the elevator. I could not do it without that local farmer helping me. I also have the local co-ops do all of my custom application spraying and fertilizer I just don't have the equipment and the time to do it myself. I do not have very new equipment my newest piece of equipment is my planter which is a 2014. If I had any advice for a young farmer It buy older equipment and learn how to work on it yourself that is how you keep your costs down keep up the good work I really enjoy watching your Channel as it reminds me a lot of me

[@jasonsampson6132]

Great job on this video. I wish I could farm myself but just not in the cards for me. Great job presenting the numbers. Keep up the hard work. Good luck to you and prayers for you friend.

[@samtalley791]

I’m just south of you closer to the river. Started on my own and want to farm on my own without hired help. It’s not always fun but I’m proud that it’s my name not “oh yeah he work for so and so.” I went the cheaper route for a planter and just bought a 6 row Kinze no splitters. Roughly half what your example was. 30” beans can be argued but for guys starting out it’s worth considering. My corn got hit with rust this year so it looks...poor..

[@quadebristle4161]

Great Job explaining everything. It definitely kinda helped me realize a little bit more about what it is like to start a farm!

[@cobo3066]

You’re on the right track, you’re doing it right. I don’t care how big a farm is or how financially well off it is, I don’t know of many farms that don’t have other sources of income. Sidelines are a great thing. There is lots of things you can do in compliment to farming that can add income.

[@TMcardinal5]

Great video, even though I hope to inherit most of the farm in my situation, this information can still be applied in certain areas. You have the correct mindset for it and your completely right about learning from the older generation, they have done it this long and seen plenty of what we could see the same of in the future, you'll learn 100 more useful things being around a older farmer than you would learning it from a school.

[@jackbone2664]

I’m from Australia and about to start runnin my own gig here in a few years as a first generation farmer. Even though how we farm and what we farm is different, the numbers are very relevant and many are very similar. Thanks for the video been bloody awesome listening to your story and I hope ya have a great harvest.

[@onecrazytruckinfarmer]

Great video this is definitely helpful for first time farmers. It can be tough and not very profitable but if anyone is up to the challenge I say go for it folks.

[@teebugg66]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video, soak up every minute you can with the old man. There’s lots of knowledge there that can be passed on to you if you pay attention. Keep up the good clean hard work!

[@timothybailey7118]

Great job laying out the reality of farming. And, great job representing a noble calling in life.

[@sharonleuenberger1120]

Thank you for this video. God bless you for this endeavour.

[@mikeallen1453]

Thanks for sharing the info and your story.

[@tyler-ye1ey]

This is so crazy I just watched this I'm 17 going to work for UPS next year, I work for an older guy that doesn't have anyone to pass it down to, its a cattle farm 45-50 head. But love your content man I want to start farming and I've been stressed about it but this video has helped me have a better understanding of it completely

[@Farmingthroughtheages]

Very great video, well done.

[@blaga19]

Obviously there are other things you could have done with your time so thank you for making this for those of us trying to learn

[@KFitzG35competitor]

Great video, and good information.

[@danielmccray599]

Good luck👍. Praying for your awesome sucess🙏

[@jeffgokiert3245]

Outstanding video . You really laid things out clear and precise. Knowledge learned makes what you are saying so Bang on .

[@pmccoy8924]

Thanks for the advice. I am living in the metro area of the city. Same situation, my family farming experience stopped 150 years ago. I am eager to start farming. Seems daunting but it is what I want to do.

[@itsbenk9484]

I like how he has that fs19 download up on his screen. Great game. You got yourself a new sub

[@crispypieces4193]

Ive always wanted to farm and this was very informational thank you

[@travistharp4215]

Gravity wagons are usually cheap used and are awesome

[@loubackervlogs236]

This video has gave me so much confidence to start a farm

[@justinearles9970]

Really enjoyed the video. It’s tuff farmin these days especially for a first generation farmer

[@jellyjust4676]

i Started 5 years ago, bought a quarter with 120 acres cultivated, I work night shift at hospital administration, I bought old farm equipment but that was in good shape, 1135 Massy $5000, 434 IHC tractor $1000, 30ft hoe drill with eagle beaks $3000, 21ft Cultivator $500, 40ft boom sprayer $200, 25ft Medium Harrows $2500, 25ft Massy Swather $2500, 860 Massy combine with pick up and straitcut headers $2000, 3 ton grain truck $500, Grain auger 8in $500, 1985 Freightliner $5000 45ft grain trailer$500, CDL $1500, 226B Cat skid steer $5000, Rent 5-5000bu bins $4500/yr, First year I was on contract Canola through United Grain Growers who supplied seed and chemical and pesticide on the contract for me, had a great year and my Net gain was $50,000 plus 26,500 from working at hospital for $76,500. I started farming at 34 I had saved the money for 1/2 of what my land cost and also paid cash for my equipment and for a 5'5" 115lb girl this was not easy, I was not raised on a farm or have family on a farm, I am now up to 500 acres renting a additional 380 acres and pretty much maxed at what I can do with the equipment I have but i dont really plan on getting any bigger am happy with what i have. Had a really good crop this year and plan to finally biuld a shop it really sucks fixing in the dirt and mud and snow. The shop i am going to biuld will cost $120,000 which gives me 40ft x 40ft heated and 40x80 cold storage but everything will finally be able to be inside and hopefully last longer. The point of all this is you are correct if you really want more out of life it can be done. I still work at hospital and take my holiday time for seeding and harvest and once shop is paid off I will quit working at hospital. ( hopefully next year )

[@Kobe29261]

This was sincere and informative. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@7thgenfarmer976]

I have lots of respect for u, I’m a 7th generation farmer and post videos as well🤘🏼

[@ohio_dairy_farmer]

Love the advices

[@farmingforfun9534]

I'm in a similar boat, our contract is up on a 15 acre field that we rent out. We're not making any money with the way things are so I'm selling some of my personal stuff and buying equipment and I'm going to start farming our 15 acres. I don't expect to make a living on it but that's what my regular income is for. Hopefully I can manage thing correctly and my kids can have a farm when their older. My family used to farm about 600 acres, over the years it's dwindled down to 15 and no equipment. Wish us luck!

[@jdon4698]

This video was extremly helpful! i appreciate the time and effort, definitely earned a subscriber.

[@JimHerman-o3q]

Hes a teen that didnt and dont know the value of money. You do not buy a large truck.......and say your starting farming !

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Fantastic video.

[@jameslcoble248]

That helps me do some thinking. I know that I have farming in my blood, but sadly my family members who could help me learn have passed. I've been hoping and praying to get hired by a farm to learn and maybe slowly get into it. What websites did you go to for the numbers? I live in Tennessee and know the numbers will be different but wanting to know what websites you used. Have a great weekend.

[@andrewjones6360]

this is the first time I've watched you.and I'm very impressed.with your honesty and with your story.I'm a new subscriberand look forward to your journeyI just started my own firm with four hens and a rooster. lolit's small but it's a lot of fun!!! lol

[@StephenMortimer]

Likely this is the BEST of all AG videos !! (I also watch many others) I SLOG thru a lot of your videos .. not much ENTERTAINMENT there You are where the PLOW MEETS THE DURT !!

[@w056007568]

What an excellent video! Very realistic about the potential pitfalls and mistakes. Question: Are rents in your area for land done on an annual basis or time limited to say 5 years? (Very few here in the UK are "lifetime" agreements with review every 3 years.) I ask because it is really difficult otherwise to justify things such as applying lime, cleaning ditches or repairing other drainage issues, hedge cutting or boundary work etc.

[@ClarkeFarms]

Most of my leases are between 3 to 5 years. I prefer 5 years or more. I won't lease land annually because I like to invest in whatever the ground needs (lime, fertilizer, drainage...etc.)

[@PindtoCanada]

amazing bro❤️

[@stanleyroberts2461]

new subscriber, very interesting that you learned . Thank you

[@gowerp2945]

Amazing video, thank you for inspiring me

[@josepena2641]

Hey, great contents, thank for sharing. However, since you produce so much corn, wouldn’t you consider llivestock? Such as egg laying hens and/or free range pigs?

[@johnm9743]

Good video. Like the channel. Does input cost follow the price of grain (ie: is input cost higher with $6/bushel corn then with $3/bushel corn)?

[@lancecornell5371]

Great video

[@austinprice2278]

I’m north of you in Farmersburg IN, would love to get into farming but I know absolutely nothing about it. Encouraging video tho!

[@jackgerberuae]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing... 👌

[@andyknox9276]

Good info for young farmers

[@jacobburks7699]

Enjoyed the video

[@justinschmicker1049]

This is a great video. This is the information I'm looking for in regards to the cost side of things. I try to explain to some people I know where I am in order to be profitable you have to have a low overhead in order to get where you want to be at. I'm trying my hardest to get a way in but it's been difficult.

[@kurtsmith6664]

Thank You for your transparency. You are doing an amazing job. I will be praying for you. Proverbs 30:8-9 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Great verse to know. God blees you.

[@ClarkeFarms]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@simpletrader547]

You should part 2 . Getting started from nothing. Like what would a min acres you would farm to make it worth you time and investment. How to find ground available?

[@zilla2006able]

this was really insane video

[@mikegravitt8374]

Very detailed video! Thanks

[@PaulsonFarms]

Best advice I could give to anyone looking to get into farming is either marry into it or just go and work for a large farmer. Most want to get into farming to run large and new equipment, but you have better odds of getting struck by lightning then have that happen. Farming is a calculated risk and even calculated risks can go the wrong side very quickly if you're having to start from nothing. If you go and work for a large farmer, you get all the benefits of the nice fancy equipment and at the end of the day you're getting a solid income and don't have to worry about the weather or not getting a crop.

[@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754]

Good job with the math. Without a farm business management plan your not getting far. Pretty honest with your budget. Unless you have someone helping you in you better learn how to grow vegetables and small acre specialty crops to get started. The modern farm paradigm of full tillage, corn bean rotation usung recommended broad acre herbicide, insecticide and fertilizer plan is not a sustainable plan for an old farm let alone starting from scratch. Some retail farms with 40 acres are thinking of quiting off farm job and 1200 acre corn bean guys are thinking how can they get another job. Here a grain truck isnt worth owning on small acres. 2-3 loads a day max we are way better off hiring. Sprayer is something i would recommend for any size to have. Its a great money maker. You get a lot better wholesale price on chemical, do it when you need, plus use it for fertilizer for better control of placement, rate. Yep 330 acres just needs drill and planter and a finishing disk. Dont need primary tillage. Honestly for 330 acres i would have a drill utility tractor and hay equipment and cattle. Corn and beans would not be in my rotation. Retail off the farm in feed grains, straws, hay....

[@stevedeleon7674]

Me and my grandson want try to get in to farming we are going to try your way thank you

[@jeffreyvandervoort8324]

Would love to get that rainbow with $5 corn and $15 soybeans. Sold mine this year for a lot less.

[@LtColDaddy71]

I'd give anything to have someone near me like you. Especially considering that conventional and organic are on completely different schedules. It chaps my ass to watch the dust collect on my equipment when it could be making me money, or being traded for great skilled labor. My hired farmers are salary based, $60k/yr and a nice truck to drive. You might pull 20 14 hr days in a row twice per year, but you'll have twice as many days where I don't expect you to come in at all. I have amazing insurance and contribute to a HSA on your behalf annually because we have other ag enterprises that require less skill, but it's all under one big group. It does cost $1250/mo for a family and $350 for single coverage. I CAN'T FIND HELP! At least not that can do the job well. Thank God my kids are getting older and can do more. But man, my wife has mowed down every mail box and road sign in 2 counties! I had 3 guys leave on me because they were all over 70.

[@buzzbustillos3016]

People are going to soon see a big difference in food quality. I am starting to look for a farm myself. Retired at 50. Have to stay busy. Love growing my own meat, fruits & vegetables.

[@ldstone942]

There’s a lot of hidden costs that people don’t think about because they don’t see it every day and that’s insurance fuel and breakdowns thank you for your time are you here in the mall say I can do a cheeseburger well you don’t look at all your calls you’re a great green young fella and I wish you the best thank you for the video

[@mbusch76]

Great video!

[@jamesharrod8733]

we have a nonprofit org in indiana that is for veterans in farming VeteransIN Farming - your story would be very interesting to our members - some time we need to hook up and see if we can get your story out - good bunch of people , yes farming is a way of life

[@jimmaxwell6595]

Thank you for the Great Vidio!

[@joshjansen8429]

From what I’ve experienced, first and foremost is land and equipment will follow. At least where I am if you want to farm you will have to own the ground as there is very little around to be rented

[@matthewlee6122]

Great video thank you I'm actually starting row crop this coming year but actually trying to buy everything as I can afford it starting out with about 40 acres of small plots between 4 different farms with no land rent and old equipment I've been buying and fixing up to keep my cost as low as possible just had a couple questions if u would ever have the time to email me I would appreciate it. I promise not to bother you just a couple questions I can't figure out with my cost

[@sparksoutdoors1309]

I am 14 and looking for 20 - 30 acres to rent here in western central Ohio. I am a farmhand in the summer time and cut and split firewood to sell in the winter time. The problem here is nobody wants to rent ground they just want to sell it. Anyway thank you for the video it was very helpful in looking for land that is priced decent and figuring out spread sheets.

[@bigihfarmer9423]

Did you go to college?Also you have gave me real hope that I can do it

[@buckeyefarmboy107]

Good video, similar story to mine, I still have a full-time job.

[@Mixteco1]

I love farming

[@thaddeusjackson820]

thank you for this