Growing Into Your Farm's Success

[@ronnielindsey8073]

Best channel on KZbin. The thoughts and examples are very real in today's crazy world of business. I own my on business for 42years and part time farm cattle too, I found out years ago, bigger is not always better. You spoke about something that people never figure out in life and that is quality of life and peace of mind, money is not everything life has to offer. Thank you for down to earth approach of common sense, everyone needs a little does of common sense this day and time.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Wish Pete had a larger platform to reach more of an audience. This guy has so much knowledge and life experience that needs to be passed on to my generation and younger generations. A plethora of knowledge and I’m thankful for you taking the time to record this.

[@annietriesthings]

IDK I think KZbin is an excellent platform to get this message out to the highest number of targeted listeners. The next step might be to host a pasture walk or farm field day through FSA/CRP/NRCS.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

@@annietriesthings for now it is an excellent platform….I agree.

[@suburbangardenpermaculture3117]

He's reached more than a few already. I'm sitting here, 9 months out from selling off the Suburban Homestead and buying 40 acres of East Texas timberland, planning my herds. You can thank Pete! He's not the only one, but he's certainly one of the most authorative on his subject matter that has influenced us. Incl some like Red Tool House as well. Its getting attention, and people have taken action at least in part based on Pete and his shared experience and modern farming wisdom.

[@jamjar5716]

To enlarge the audience, share, share, share!

[@Kristian_Saile]

I started following the channel when he had like 300 subscribers. It’s been wild to see how fast his channel grew. Originally when I came across it I was surprised by how good the videos were and how few subscribers he had… well it picked up a head of steam fast! He deserves it, some of the best content in KZbin, and my 6 and 8 year old even look forward to watching his videos. I wish they listened to me that well, ha!

[@joevalencic5275]

There’s such a good feeling knowing that you’ve achieved your goals, and being at peace with where you’re at. I loathed performance reviews, because telling your boss that you’re doing what you love, and that you DON'T want his job, we’re a death knell in most large companies. After being downsized at 51 and starting my own handyman business, I came to realize that being forced to do what I enjoyed most, was the best thing for me. We made it work and are now retired comfortably. I have an online business making handmade Cordura products, and refuse to promote the business beyond where it’s at. I just need an enterprise to have something to do in the winter in NE Ohio, and enjoy my outdoor hobbies the rest of the year. Love your channel and always look forward to your Dad humor and your wisdom of years.

[@cherrydowns7745]

What Joe said!

[@matteolaborg]

I love the day to day videos and the tractor restoration videos, but I really like these interior looks into your thinking and planning.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you! I feel these are the most important types of videos I should be making.

[@farmboy1520]

Hi Pete, I’m hoping to start a farm of my own in the coming years and these videos inspire me so much!!

[@youngguns1319]

the same for me land i think is going to be the biggest hurtle for me because where i live land cost alot

[@janetyurkin822]

It’s so good to hear someone speak of using common sense in doing things. I’m 79 and given the things happening in the world, It sometimes looks like society has taken leave of common sense. The quality of life your animals live is a testament to raising good, healthy food humanly and environmentally, and earning a living and enjoying your life and being happy in what you’re doing!

[@PERRYPICKER]

Hi Pete Thanks for showing us how Peanut was doing we were praying everything would work out love your Channel

[@jonathankipps9061]

"Soft-start" also applies to established farms that are shifting focus a little. I'm operating a small dairy with a corn-silage-based ration fed in the feed bunk. Any nutrition the cows get from pasture has been incidental. I have not been aggressively rotating pastures and pushing high consumption of grass during the growing season. I've been wanting to begin aggressive rotation of my pasture fields, and reduce the amount of feed that I need to purchase. I've been daunted by the thought of building a mile and a half of all-weather cow lanes, including elevating and crowning the lane base, adding drainage, running water lines, building fences beside the lanes, hard-surfacing the lanes with gravel, stringing electric fences everywhere, etc. Beyond the lanes, I would need to terminate my fescue pastures and plant improved specie mixes, plant winter and summer annuals over a portion of the acreage, and correct a number of erosion problems in the fields. The list feels overwhelming. I'm realizing the importance of a "soft-start." Right now, I'm focusing on just getting the basic cow lane fencing in place so I can try intensive rotational grazing this spring and summer. I'll worry about adding the "all-weather" aspects of the cow-lanes later. I'll graze fescue for now, and consider planting something better next year.

[@zrorypierce]

Just a few acres, my wife and I started our small farm two years ago. My entire family enjoys the videos you generate they carry the right balance between information and entertainment. Two things we really commend you on is sticking to the intent of your channel. Many content creators have lost their way in my opinion and over the last two year started to steer their content to attract more clicks based on political ideology. The other thing I like about your content is no product placement or paid promotional stuff. So many of my favorite channels have turned into infomercials and I no longer watch them. Thank you for creating quality content that is enjoyable and informative.

[@shlomotenenberg]

I think your business plan should also include the great work you do on the internet as a content provider with a world wide group of customers

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

That is what I came up with as my retirement plan...

[@philipingram1667]

Well done - you were an overnight success in 9 years! Some of us do not realize how slowly the increases progress and how tough it can be getting started. Keep up the good work!

[@bobbyler7234]

As a retired businessman, you are spot on Pete! God bless you and family! You have found what few do, CONTENTMENT!

[@jasmadams]

When you talked about planning, I was reminded of a great adage: "Plans are useless, but planning is everything."

[@oakleydaniels722]

Peanut is just too cute for words. Glad she doing well!

[@russellarendt5565]

Happiness is contagious, your thoughtful and deliberate dialogue on how you have attained the ever-changing goals of your farm is informative and delightful. Your happiness equates to your viewers happiness as well.

[@Manoffire260]

Since you brought it up… Can we discuss efficiency? Especially farm layout, equipment choices, livestock housing, range/field operation, effective butchering, and ultimately sales/marketing. I LOVE the insight. We too come from a business background and have early retired to a property just begging to be rejuvenated into the small farm it was just over a decade ago. I see your discussions and it just reawakens the day-to-day challenges I absolutely miss having been a business owner. Someone today in the comments called you a mentor - I’m 61 and feel exactly the same. Your style of sharing/instructing is so down to earth. My wife and I love ever every video you and your wife produce - thank you both so much!

[@taylorhomestead6644]

So glad Peanut is doing better!

[@droy3886]

Great insight and wisdom from a husband and wife who made it happen. God Bless, Daryl

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Enjoy hearing your thoughts and insights! Found your channel because of looking for information on my '41H. Stayed for the information!

[@allanulen3809]

thanks for the peanut update. i wish you had been around 25 years ago when we were trying to get our farm off the ground. YOU'RE absolutely right about keeping your farm in customer's minds thru out the winter. also i hadn't thought about the colored eggs, but it makes loads of sense. anything that sets you apart from the crowd. ahain thanks for all the videos and advice.

[@garryholyoak9960]

Pete you would make a fantastic agriculture instructor

[@rongosciminski4917]

I'm glad your dialed in and on top of your game! I'm real happy for you! GOD Bless you and yours!

[@The_Rev_Show]

These vids are giving me less anxiety. I just bought an 11 acre farm and thanks to you I'm getting good direction. Thank you.

[@randymitchell8424]

Love this video Pete! Very informative, and appropriate for me right now!

[@bjcombs1989]

Hi Pete. Hope the weather turns up for you.

[@daledassel5658]

Yep. You got to be motivated and STAY FOCUSED! Roll with the ever-changing situations… and a good partner helps does’nt it Pete! Hillary is invaluable to your farm operation and of course your lives! Great informative video!

[@donnaelkins186]

Oh zee weez more snow Pete. Pigs are so sweet. Love learning from you. God bless ❤

[@glengillis7542]

Great video Pete. The idea of being a farmer is a hot topic right now. Big dreams of hitting it big. Like a gold mine!!! You have explained it very well what is really like. Not all sugar. Well explained Pete. I really like the info on customer direct interest in your product compared to your competition. Colored eggs and Dexter beef. This should be mandatory for all new farmers to see. thanks

[@richardcompton2555]

Who needs TED Talks when we have Pete of "Just A Few Acres Farm". Nuff said!

[@davidwilson9247]

First I agree with Janet. Years ago our company was concerned about customer satisfaction. I see you Pete have taken that a big and important step beyond to building customer loyalty. Best wishes going forward. OleDave

[@SedriqMiers]

I feel it here too Pete ! Just getting into spring and then winter says 'Im back' !

[@rosalieroku3818]

Thank you. Beautifully said. Encouragement on building a meaningful life. You have beautiful, well raised animals.

[@mandykal]

I think what makes Pete’s farming a success is the knowledge Pete possess. You $ave thousands of dollars on tractor repairs and restoration. People also need to factor in the machinery needed for farming…

[@juliegolub2602]

Pete you are truly a wonderful, intelligent person. Sharing your experience is a blessing to others❤️

[@Robert-qc4jv]

Pete, another fantastic video! As a sophomore in business school in DC, I love these types of videos because they show the real world examples of things that I have learned about in class. It is clear that you have extensive “local knowledge” and knowledge of your customer base which has enabled you to gain a competitive advantage over your competitors. I’m already looking forward to your next video!

[@ervdre]

Pete...!! Every single video you produce is a riveting TED talk. Just another side hustle for you to consider. Live in Burlington, Ontario and look forward to every episode. Thank-you.

[@thunderingherd5221]

Pete, you are a great teacher and mentor. I appreciate you sharing your history as my wife and I are on a similar trajectory as you and Hillary. Keep up the good work and knowledge transfer.

[@kirkwilson10]

Masterful job today, Pete! As a teacher,it is very gratifying to me to see you chop it up into bits and " bytes", interspersing the serious with the silly, but always getting it to the irreducible minimum. I get to glean and underscore a lot of things I've been seeing for myself in this small farm odyssey that started at the feet of a grandfather like yours who farmed with IH tractors, yet I also get to hear the dialogue your greatest fans carry on with you! They respond in a first name basis and howl with mirth at your terrible Dad jokes or dialogue today with a pig. BUT, bottom line, they are picking it up in intangible ways that would never be recorded on an IEP. Today we watched the video after lunch and then headed out to the farm we work on with raised beds, laying hens and 8 South Poll steers. They proceeded to just gently intermingle themselves among those 600 lb steers, rubbing heads and reminding each other in whispers to go slow and be gentle. These are the same guys who last August were terrified of a chicken... You and Hilary have had a part in that and I'm very appreciative of the time you put in. It is reaping benefits into years none of us will ever see. Blessings to you both!

[@jessicabuckman9675]

Pete, you have quite a team of people who make you're farm go, Hillary is one hell of a great work partner, and then you have you're dad who helps you, and then you work with tractors that haven't costed you an arm and a leg, you love what you are doing, that must help, I'm no farmer, but I love watching you do what you do so well, and then you make great videos to help someone like me know what you're doing. Keep up the good work.

[@saintisidorehomestead]

Congratulations on hitting the sweet spot! Very insightful and inspiring to those of us who are still working it up. Thanks, Pete.

[@jws3925]

"Growth is not always great". Truer words never spoken. So many successful small businesses fall into the trap of "if I get bigger I'll make exponentially more money." It rarely works out that way. Many end up over extending themselves and lose their business altogether--------a business when smaller was successful! I have personally seen this more than a few times in my 70 years.

[@danschneider7369]

Pete, I have tremendous respect for your work ethic, intelligence and thoughtfulness. This was a fantastically informative episode. Well done.

[@tomjones8209]

💥 awesome bit of knowledge you’ve just passed along to all of us !

[@EcklecticCraftJunkie]

Congratulations Pete!! Hustle on and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[@MuhaloTube]

It's great you had enough business background to know the difference between growth and success. Expanding to the ragged edge where you can't take care of your well being is not talked about enough. It's not just a numbers game. You've got a life to live!

[@homelandrelics]

Thanks for all the advice Pete! I look forward to all your videos. I have an upcoming opportunity to buy 60 acres, probably this year. It's been a small farm in the past, and my plan is to restore the place to its former vitality. I'm learning so much from you. By the way, I just bought your book...can't wait to read it!

[@carolkimbell5174]

Wow! I didn’t know that Pete has written a book. So glad that you mentioned it. Thank you!

[@homelandrelics]

@@carolkimbell5174 It's called "A Year and a Day on Just a Few Acres." I just ordered it today...I'm excited!

[@jesseholman9687]

It's a good book. Im Not much of a reader but finished it in just a few days. Good luck in your land purchase. Im in the process of buying 33 acres from a family member.

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Good to see Peanut is doing better. You make some real good points on starting a business while growing and managing it through changes. Thanks, have a good night.

[@kidnurse1970]

Little peanut and her visitors are too cute. So glad she's improving

[@jimproud3116]

Thanks Pete for your thoughts. Hope Spring comes soon there!

[@esauer1014]

Thank you for taking the time to explain and enlightening to us on the ins and outs to your farm life!!!

[@ejllorca7758]

Sorry Pete for not giving you a thumbs up on everything I see on your channel. It is not because I do not want to but it’s that I stream everything and the provider does not give me the ability to comment one way or another. I will try harder next time because your videos are very informative! You are a great teach, keep it up! We need you educating us even though we know farming of any kind is not easy! We pray for God’s perfect Will, Health, and His Prosperity for you and your family!! Thanks again!

[@MrDavewoolley]

Fantastic video Pete, unfortunately I’m too old to start a small farm but your philosophy should be a perfect model for anyone young enough to take advantage of your advice.

[@carlboyd6754]

Wow it sure is nice seeing “Peanut” looking so good…. I think she is a keeper for sure as a replacement heifer for the farm !!! Keep the awesome videos coming as I look forward to each and every one !!!

[@tabbichat7076]

Fantastic advice! I really enjoyed listening to your business overview of farm life - a lot of the advice shared is applicable for those of us who are not fortunate enough to have farms - this video was so well-structured and cogent and contained lessons I will not soon forget.

[@TiaraPoodles]

Agreed - the editing was first class as well.

[@miraclefarm1927]

Thanks Mr Pete this is such great information on starting a small farm business. I'm in my first year of raising cows on a bartered lease farm. Keeping the ratio of cows to my grass has been working out well. Not getting to big is great advice and thankfully we don't need much. The yearly break down is very helpful and give us an idea of what to shoot for and how many years it may take us to make a profit. Thank and blessings

[@legaldocsinc.9142]

Love that you keep things down to earth and candid.

[@davidrobertson606]

When I started my company I was told what you have said. Main thing was I needed cash to sustain it for 3 years before break even I was told. Did not happen that way by the end of year one I had profit to expand more and to pay all family expense. By year 3 I had created a retirement plan and 10 years later I had something I did not expect. I retired at 68 from the company as I did not want to die working. Be careful how you progress or you will wake up one day and say "Life is over and all I have is a profitable enterprise for my children to enjoy". Once running well step back and sit on the porch and pet the cat before the cat is gone and you can not walk to the porch.

[@yvonneward]

I just love how you are with your animals , because yes they are for consumption but you give them the utmost care and love before the dreaded day x

[@jakefrechette3224]

Glad you are feeling comfortable enough to take the good off the gas a little and relax. Can't wait to see where you're going to direct your efforts next!

[@cherokeehideaway1771]

Love your videos...have a small farm also ( also with old, but well maintained equipment)...but have you ever thought about writing children's books...about your farm? You have such a lovely sense of humor...

[@billhickson8712]

This is a fantastic video. Anyone considering trying to start a farm that can sustain itself from a financial standpoint should be required to view this video. Your words are so true. You have truly “walked the walk”. Thank you Professor!

[@SouthHaven_Farms]

Thanks, Pete! We appreciate your wisdom and experience.

[@SuperMAZ007]

We got snow fall as well and April seems rather coldish for now at least. The hardest thing is getting Land these day's and for me it was not even that. I had no decent far equipment. The old things I had where too broke and where just worth scrap value. I had no tractor and that was the first thing get a tractor. Easy said then done cause even the used ones where kind of too expensive for there age and wear. I tried to look for smaller tractors like you folks in the states have the Farmall A and C and some equivalent to them. But I found soon out that the smaller tractors costed much more then a larger one. So I ended up with a Belarus tractor that is parts wise more common where I live. But lot of them are now self propelling antics, however the wear and condition is very dependent on what kind of maintenance did it get. Once I got one tractor, a few years later I got another one and then also slowly I got decent equipment to be self sustainable. You can farm even with antic machines but you must be prepared to have your own stuck of parts and be ready to do most of the work yourself. Just my 5 cents of life experience here.

[@Jeffnixononline]

Pete, this is one of the best videos you have done - for me it's the best because of the message in it on planning & thinking about where I want to take my farm from here - thanks.

[@brandondawson9591]

I own a general contracting company in Hawaii. And these tips go quite well with my business also. Mahalo for your insight. 😎🤙

[@jeanettefoster4051]

You are so easy to listen to. You explain everything so well. I am always intrigued in your topics. Thank you

[@nickwiseman7770]

Pete like I said before you truly inspire me and I really look up to you and what you do. I have been wanting to farm ever since I could remember and that opportunity I think is finally going to happen soon! Thanks for everything you do and all of your personal experiences of your own farm! I truly appreciate it and I thank you for it! Just keep doing you Pete cause we all love you for it!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Awesome Nick! Best of luck with your farm!

[@CassieDavis613]

Excellent farm business video.

[@danallisonrutter3510]

Love it very helpful thank

[@TheDumpTrailerGuyLLC]

I like how you got to a point you're happy with and can just sit back and enjoy it. that's secretly what I think a lot of people wish they did instead of getting in over their head. thanks for another great video Pete I look forward to following your videos through spring since this will be my first spring watching the channel

[@johnrosier1686]

This reminds me of the law of diminishing returns. You can grow so big that you can’t keep up, the quality goes down, and at some point you start losing money because either you can’t grow the infrastructure to keep up or you pass a certain point of becoming less profitable and/or productive. Pete does a great job of every so often taking inventory of where he is at and how things are working out.

[@bimmerbroM3]

good video I think your advice applies not only to farming but even to a small business owner like myself knowing where you are and where you want to be ......good advice

[@irieone100]

I know this video is almost a couple weeks old, but I greatly appreciate these type of videos when you do them. I watch most of what you put out, but these are particularly educational for me. My wife and I moved our family out to 20 acres in mid 2020. Though our intent was mostly to get away from the city and madness, we began raising some livestock. It has grown into a decent supplemental income and may end up being more. Anyway, thanks for these!

[@adamfontana537]

Loved the video! You have always inspired me, do what I love. It is a bit hard building it slowly and I find many people don’t understand that, but I keep paddling along.

[@MsDee1129]

Pete go back I was listening while enjoying watching tge cows eat ... Aaahh!!! satisfaction ... call me weird ... remember to stay safe and stay blessed

[@justabackyardbloke4373]

Pete, I love your channel….and you deserve everything you’ve earned!

[@stevengullison5123]

Good evening, you too are very talented and smart in my books. Keep up the great work

[@martin.turner4244]

Hi Pete over the pond in the uk 50+ and just starting up similar little farm to you. I'm binge watching your channel and picking up loads of information. Thanks bud grate info for us all. Martin. 👨‍🌾🐂🐑🚜🏡

[@peachykeen7634]

Oh my gosh. You said “you can’t paper farm” and I’m sitting here dying. 🤣 it’s SO TRUE. I’m laughing because once upon a farm I did that hahaaaaaaaa. Thanks for the good chat and keep the dad jokes coming!

[@kimberleyfriesenhahn2515]

I think this was a fantastic video! We have been working at building our farm business for a few years and I needed these reminders. I'm so happy you and your family are exactly where you want to be in your business. I wish you all the best!

[@annietriesthings]

And this is why the Farm Service Agency considers anyone with less than 10 years of farm experience a "beginning farmer". It takes YEARS to learn how to grow and run a successful farm, of any size. Thank you for your insight on this!

[@jenniferbroome1728]

Thanks Pete! Your authenticity and insight are very appreciated. Quality of life and happiness are attainable goals and you give hope and encouragement to many people.

[@JamesDedmon]

One thing you said struck me on the cattle operation. Since I was raised around dairy farms and have family who still does, but for their operation one of the sources of extra income was the bull calf sales to small or second income farmers. Basically what these folks did was to have like you some farmland in pasture, raise some hay. Then they would raise steers up to butcher size and sell in a sales. This deal kinda went away, my home county at one time had two livestock sale barns, that ran auctions weekly on different days. One closed the other changed ownership then was closed for a while. Now that it’s reopened but doing more than cattle sales. But I still can remember as boy folks coming up to my uncles dairy to buy calf’s

[@martintopp1399]

HI there again Pete from NZ. My first goal was to grow my own vegetables, fruit, nuts and meat. But, your experience and business model show what and how to do it. I see that making a small business with poultry and eggs is a good starting point. Thank you so much for sharing your true life experiences in a dimple down to earth way!

[@bobmoe5934]

Thank You Pete! I’m in the growth, building time in my business. I’m trying to find that sweet spot of max profit, quality of life, and sustainable output at the size I want to be at. Growth is not always good and it doesn’t always mean more profit. Especially in a labor intensive business. I have a trusty 656 also. Love that tractor.

[@minnickfamilyfarm]

Love this. Very informative and great detail. Starting out for ourselves this is very helpful. Don’t let the cart get before the horse my parents would always tell me.

[@keirokeiro1976]

Quality of life....that's the ticket.

[@JoeyOuimet15]

Amazing video !! All I have to say. Thank you for defending our way of life. (Small farming)

[@rustyfrey]

Love these videos I farmed for a number of years but after 17 surgeries just can't anymore harf physical work but work that makes u feel good.

[@WalterRatcliffe]

Great video Pete Thank you for what you re doing well this channel.

[@thinkford]

Long time watcher first time commenter lol You give such great information! Information that can only be learned through years of experience and trial and error. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with everyone!

[@williamholiman4126]

Love your insight. I’m going to start a small farm soon. And I learn so much from your program. I got turned on to you from my father. I can’t wait to put knowledge to plow.

[@nixer8984]

As a guy who went back to college at age 66, you could teach ag classes somewhere, heck anywhere they have a brain. You have a real knack for K.I.S.S. and it is impressive, and quite fun to watch. Thanks as always for another great life lesson Pete.

[@margueritedoane3882]

Hi Pete. I love watching your videos, I brings back fond memories for me. I just read the article in GRIT magazine as well. It's nice to hear some practical advice. Keep up the great work!

[@MrBadawi01]

Thanks for all the advice Pete. I follow your videos from East Africa.

[@stevelabarr3642]

We are in the beginning phases of our farm so I really appreciate you helping to show us the great depth that is involved in the farm process it definitely keeps me thinking! Keep it coming thanks “Pete the farmer” (your name in our house when the kids want to watch you)

[@dtcb400]

REALLY PETE!!! Pigs in a blanket! Now thats FUNNY!🤣🤣🤣

[@montana4939]

I have so many thoughts of how to digest this video regarding what customer base we have in Montana and the mind set of Missoula vs kalispell ... lol I will just say , Pete , thank you so very much for sharing !

[@DTFarms3]

Love your videos Pete. This was a great one. I'm at the beginning of this journey and aspire to be where you're at!

[@geraldhensley5263]

I'm thinking we . As Americans need Pete for president

[@lourdesaguirre4882]

Fantastic!!! Thank you for this video. Certainly agree with you one thousand % on handling the quality of life 👍