How to Start a Farm with No Experience

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About Gold Shaw Farm: Gold Shaw Farm is more of a farm-in-progress than an honest-to-goodness farm. We dream that someday we can transform our 150+ acre parcel of land into a regenerative and productive homestead and farm.

[@heidipustelniak652]

At 72, I still long to have a farm… I am blessed to be able to to have my “backyard chickens” and my Great Pyrenees here in Tucson. Thinking I am too old now to do all the physical labor it would take to have a farm. Thank you for your letting me live the farm/homesteading life vicariously!

[@amandahugginkiss55]

I also live vicariously through GoldShaw Farms. Aren't we lucky that Morgan has allowed us to watch his videos? Such a beautiful time to be alive 💖

[@lynettehillery8231]

I am trying to stay healthy so i can get a small farm in a couple years. Pure inspiration.

[@nancycampion5721]

Oh me too. At 75 I too have passed the time for such a reality. I so enjoy watching Gold Shaw Farm. I do have 3 dogs and now only one cat. I also think they should have 2 more cats.

[@OliviaLovesPugs]

You could always hire a young person to help. My first job as a teen was working on a thoroughbred racehorse farm for an aging couple that needed help managing the chores. I learned a lot about farming and the hard work that goes into it, and I loved it and now I want to start my own farm one day, using the valuable experience I got from that job. You could hire a young, prospective farmer for minimum wage to do the hard work for you, even just a part time position, and not only will they do the hard work for you but you’ll be providing valuable experience for people to see if they actually enjoy farming, and get agricultural experience for their future ventures. Win-win for someone like me who’s interested in farming!

[@kyriewoolsey9608]

I also live vicariously through Morhan haha. I hope you find time to explore your love of farms even if it isnt running your own :) Perhaps there is a farm around you that would enjoy having you around, just visiting to soak up the surroundings on a stroll or maybe doing a chore for them you can still do easily like occasionally brushing their dogs or picking up some trash :) either way, give your chickens a snack from me and I hope you are living in happiness ❤

[@MC-qb1jg]

Morgan, you and Allison have come a long way since starting your farm. I think last year's winter bird enclosure compared to what you have now is amazing. You rotating the cattle, controlling the flies, rotating the chicken cart was also amazing. Your "weird" chickens are so cute. Plus, Toby and Abby's new dog house is perfect.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

We are 30 and started a farm together off grid now semi off grid, I just got my first dairy goats yesterday!!!!!!❤

[@doubles1545]

That’s awesome! I’m planning dairy goats next winter.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

@@doubles1545 yay double s! I got Nigerian dwarfs

[@doubles1545]

@@dirtroaddestiny I’m planning Nigerian Dwarf as well. 👍

[@Beegee1952]

I appreciate your openness and honesty about always learning. Good reminder that not everything on social media is what it appears.

[@marikotrue3488]

I appreciated this video as a reminder of how far Gold Shaw Farm has come. It was nice that every animal group (including "The Weird Chickens" which to me sounds like an indie rock group that I would love to hear perform at a club) living on the farm got a co-starring mention. Morgan's view that success is probably as much of a knowledge and acceptance of the environment as to the maintenance of financial spread sheets makes so much sense. Great Video!❤

[@JordanTaylorVideos]

Completely agree about how having a KZbin channel can help provide some extra income while figuring out the farm life from scratch. It really gives a bit of a buffer to make mistakes and figure it out along the way, and interestingly, I’ve found that documenting the mistakes can turn into the greatest stories and, in turn, content.

[@tanyasteers4802]

Also takes a really long time to get followers unless you have a video go viral

[@JordanTaylorVideos]

Yeah, trying to come up with that specific idea that still represents your channel and life enough to cause at least some of the viewers to follow along daily life!

[@thomaswinters6586]

Hi Morgan, I'm a city slicker but really enjoy your videos. This video is a great synopsis of your farm and a great tutorial for someone thinking about starting a farm. Thanks for sharing your experience and the ups and downs associated with your decision to run your farm.

[@reggiegarcia07]

Morgan is basically playing real-life Minecraft.

[@ThruHerEyes]

Nah he's playing real life stardew valley

[@GOAT_GOATERSON]

Real life Farming Simulator 😂

[@andrejka_talking_out_loud]

Another way to look at it is that Gamers spend most of their free time pretending to live life in a fake paradigm.

[@Bee-B]

Experts say that chickens should be separate from other birds because chickens bring disease to the others.

[@GOAT_GOATERSON]

@@Bee-B not really experts than

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Hi Morgan, you have enough fantastic information to write a book on this topic. So many people think they will just live off the land and forget they will need a cash flow for utilities, gas for vehicles, clothes, shoes, etc.

[@beffiesv650]

I have 0% interest in farming myself, but I do love watching your channel. The “My Buddy Alfred” content cracks me up especially. Edit: oh yeah! Weird chickens and release the Quacken!

[@nancycampion5721]

I too enjoy the "my buddy Alfred" segments :-)

[@krispy777]

Weird chicken zen moments

[@LadysFarm]

Love it. We moved from Southern California to Eastern Kentucky ❤❤❤ best decision we ever made ❤❤❤

[@ByHerHand]

I have no desire to leave Sydney and start a farm, but I do enjoy watching and listening to Morgan navigate the unique challenges that living in the bush throws up.

[@aimeegudgel1668]

My wife thought I wanted a farm/homestead because I watch you. I grew up in agriculture; I had to tell her I watch you to remind myself why I don’t want a farm/homestead.

[@briangrowsthings]

Hey Morgan, I just wanted to pop on here and say what awesome content and I love your authenticity! And I love this video. You touch on the core of finding any sort of success in agriculture. It's so important for new and aspriring farmers and growers to realize that a successful small holding agriculture operation will be both diverse and need to fit within their own personal context...or as I like to say, align with their own holistic goals. Keep up the amazing work!

[@tworebelsoffgrid]

It’s definitely not easy or cheap! We are in our early 50s and went off grid 9/22 in SE AZ…we are building our farmstead from scratch and it is a TON of work and you are SO RIGHT about the leaning curve…oh my gosh, it’s almost daily! Love what you’re doing there and love your channel…it’s a big inspiration for us! Happy 2023 :)

[@colesbackyardcoop]

Farming is 24/7. You're doing a great job. My version of farming is having my chickens, gardening and that's enough farming for us..lol! We recently bought 1.50 acre home in North FL and we will move there soon. We like the idea of living in a rural area away from the big population areas in FL. Especially as we get older. We appreciate nature and the peace and quiet. Thanks for sharing! 🐓🐮🐈

[@Rubedalin12]

Yes!! This is my husband and I now. Doing all the research we can during our 5 year integration!

[@gsp0113]

I've been watching your videos for several years now, and I can't tell you how impressed I am with what you've accomplished at Gold Shaw Farm. Really remarkable. This current video is an absolute must-watch for anyone thinking of leaving corporate life and starting a small farm. It isn't easy, most fail, and it takes a special skillset (patience, interest in learning and growth, an analytical mind, and resilience) to succeed. OK, I may have made your head swell two hat sizes with this comment, but it's genuine and you deserve the credit.

[@OliviaLovesPugs]

You can tell with just a glance which cows allow brushing because their fur looks so shiny and sleek and luxurious

[@gingerstorm101]

I've always wanted to be a homesteader. Sadly though, as I reached adulthood my physical health declined and I now live with multiple chronic pain diseases. I get my "dream fix" by watching you and Sandi Brock run each of your own farms.

[@bkm2797]

Always good to share experiences and what you've learned. Going on 7 years, and look at all you've learned, the friends you've made,I'd say it's all good Morgan. Thanks for what's running around in that brain of yours, it's always appreciated!

[@ShotThroughKarl]

When the cat jumped on your shoulder 😩❤☺️

[@ShotThroughKarl]

@whats_apk_me_8 no

[@chasewalter8915]

I commend you for doing all of this without debt. So many farmers struggle because they “use debt as a tool”

[@MaddenC_Outdoors19]

Gold Shaw farms is the best to watch while eating

[@diegomanjarres4094]

Especially when the animals are doing number 2

[@nancyparker8363]

@@diegomanjarres4094 I politely disagree!

[@bhoomikaparihar7095]

Every time i watch your videos it's just give me another reason to look up to you.... Doing things and accepting your mistake and improving yourself each time learning from your mistake... It's the way life should be and you made me realise.. Thank you 🧡

[@Wuschelixxx]

came online, 20 seconds after that your video popped up and came online. good time to get online :)

[@genuineimpulse9134]

We watched you a bunch until 2020 (I had a farm accident and was no longer wanting to watch any homesteading stuff, as my efforts rotted and I relearned to walk), so this was a well timed update compilation video. Thanks!

[@taggrs]

Go Morgan! Congratulations on getting all your ducks, geese and weird chickens in a row! ❤😂😊 LOL

[@chucknoll2849]

Thank you so much. Thank you for your hard work, the videos, the laughed and the knowledge you spread. I look forward to the next one. My best to you, (Morgan), Allison, and all your animals, especially the dogs.

[@silverlime4921]

I genuinly am super interested in starting a farm simular to yours when I am able to afford it, seems like a wonderful life to lead :)

[@lhmcd5538]

You have diversified successfully and sensibly Morgan. It’s the only way to go. Thank you. May you please take care and stay safe.

[@veronicacampion6595]

Love the videos Morgan, you are such a good storyteller, the prank video with Alfred was so funny 😃😃😃

[@Captain-Donut]

Love being part of your experience Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@profwaynewsmith]

A good video for those who just found the channel.

[@Corey.Leonard]

It's repetitive and old for people subscribed for a little while. He just keeps saying the same things over and over in different videos.

[@nancyparker8363]

@@Corey.Leonard Did you have your coffee yet? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed? Hey sunshine, lighten up?!

[@Corey.Leonard]

@nancyparker8363 no need to be rude or condescending just because somebody has a different perspective than you.

[@nancyparker8363]

@@Corey.Leonard I tried to be light hearted about it!

[@camicri4263]

You came a long way! Great job Morgan! Hugs to you and Allison!🤗

[@georgeshafer2504]

This was good as an introduction & an update video. 👍🏻⭐❤️✌🏻

[@DipityS]

I am quite happy to watch from afar. While utterly fascinated with your daily grind I don't envy it. I respect the work and dedication of land-folk, especially people like you, trying to balance pragmatism with respect for the animals under your care - and I wish there could be more like you 😊

[@melaynemills7886]

I love your videos! At 73, I’m living off grid in northern AZ. Progress has been slow, but I wake up to a great view everyday. I have a cat, dogs and a goose right now, and will have goats when I get a pasture fenced in. Keep up the great work ! I have learned a lot from you and your wife 🥰

[@g.cosper8306]

love the cattle rearranging the hay,,,

[@raydaug]

I don't want a farm but I sure do enjoy watching you farm!

[@danielhayton9438]

Over 20 years ago my elder daughter wrote her A Level (High School) disertation on farm diversification in The Peak District of the UK. Plus ca change!

[@kathleendodds5309]

I just love your farm and watching your thoughtful measured progress to be sure you always do what’s best for your animals and the land. It all fascinated me and I look forward to each new video!

[@mountaingothmom]

The routine of farming is so nice. I love the solitude.

[@bluerascal370]

It's inspiring how much you've grown into your own as a farmer. Maybe one day, after traveling the world and gaining experience in agriculture, I could see myself having one too. That'd probably be at least a decade or two in the future, though. Keep on keeping on, Morgan. You're doing great!

[@goredongoredon]

It was nice to see more of the weird chickens; you say they are fun to have but they are rarely shown very much. My favorites are still the cats.

[@goredongoredon]

ps I'm waiting for an Ariel the Little Mermaid or Bruce the Goose shirt :)

[@lindagates9150]

I love your mobile self replicating fertilizer delivery farm hands 😮they are doing a great job feeding your earthworms and other underground life. I am having a seniors moment have you had the soil tested to see if there are any minerals lacking that would be beneficial to supplement the diets of the farm hands as they go about their business of pooping and peeing sorry for my lack of proper terminology I am quite sure that birds don’t actually pee not a hundred percent sure but I can sleep at night not worrying about it.. oh I am impressed by the amount of brushing you were allowed to do 👍 well done 😊

[@shinjineesen400]

Look at the earlier videos about Margie, Henrietta and Blanche among others...

[@danielnaberhaus5337]

If you moved more gingerly and smoothly around the cattle they wouldn't spook about the brush as much. I highly recommend Temple Grandin's book Animals in Translation for an introduction into animal psychology. I've managed to walk up to deer herds, pet spooked horses, and had birds sit extremely close and sing to me, just by learning to communicate with body language.

[@Julyn]

I love your storytelling. Could the weird chickens live in a chicken tractor in the hoop coup? I’m sure they would also appreciate the warmth of the hoop coup while still having protection from the larger chickens.

[@johnf8877]

Is this a re-release????

[@gracedawn]

So we finally heard Morgan sing! and it wasn't terrible☺️🤠

[@LordNorthern]

I can certainly testify! GSF is like a long running experiment where Morgan tries different things, slowly learning. Not without the help of his buddy Alfred, I must add!

[@Medastep]

this was great. I am a life long vermonter/ new hampshirite and I am looking into starting my own homestead.

[@MillieFalcone.]

You mustn’t own a piece of land before you can benefit from agricultural investment. I work with a company that lets you invest in their farms without you doing the farm work and you’ll get paid weekly.

[@selinaquezada7665]

I love your videos!!! Thanks for making my lunch break even better!

[@mariesheppard3750]

I wished I had Y T when I had my Farm, but now I m enjoying how you make it work, Now sitting on a acre with 5 hens and a pair of geese and loving it, Thanks for all you show Morgan , Your a wonderful teacher, Its always the truth , keep up the good work,

[@AbdulKhaliq-zo1ly]

Hi Mr Morgan. I am from Pakistan and love to watch your farm videos.

[@bossmama7069]

I just started this video and I have been meaning to say this, and hopefully it's not rude, but.. Since the video where you said you quit your job to this video you have lost SO MUCH weight. Congrats!!! And yes, thank you, we wish to start a farm too. Our dream is enough chickens to have our eggs plus meat and probably 2 steer and 2 dairy cows. Of course a vegetable garden as well.

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

I'd sooner do it the easy way. Watch you and live farm life vicariously. Its definitely warmer.

[@fantomnite2528]

Found this channel like 2 weeks ago n loving the content. Keep it up! Love from Liverpool England

[@Mikosun]

😂🤣 I just discovered your channel, and hands down, you have the best cow names, EVER!

[@TranShar]

Admit it, the weird chickens are pets. They are not house pets but they are pets all the same. They are there for personal happiness.

[@GoldShawFarm]

You’re not wrong

[@thomasthibedeau]

Getting out to fresh clean air was the best thing you could have done. Now you don't have to hassle with so many crazy people. I commend you Morgan.

[@elisemiller13]

Only the crazy trespassing hunters & the like

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

Always some thing.

[@minaparish5687]

If you have the "Quacken", Morgan, then are the chickens the "Clucken"? 😄

[@Seriouslioness]

Love watching the channel especially watching the dogs and cats

[@MorrisPatchofHeavenhomestead]

Great share Morgan, such a great video, love how you share your life with us, it was so good to meet you at HOA love how you run your farm. Blessings my friend

[@jbbrown7907]

Today's video was very enjoyable Dairy farming has maybe thr most routine

[@GoldShawFarm]

Agreed, JB! When I think about whether or not I would truly want to give dairy a shot, it’s always the first thing I think about.

[@cuznclive2236]

Nicely grounded! Thank you.

[@simply.ariannaa]

Wow this entire video is comforting! New subscriber 🎉

[@silviamorales8418]

I really enjoy your videos. Love Abby and Toby dog

[@spegete7380]

your like its been a mild winter here in Vermont and for the rest of the country its been really cold especially in the south

[@kayleenfeher4341]

Hello, could you cover the discussion going on about chicken feed? People are trying to say that the feed is preventing the chickens from laying. I think it may help if the discussion included someone who raises chickens for profit. :)

[@garretmkiii]

bud, that image you used for your thumbnail is stunning.

[@oliviawest4714]

I love watching your videos! I'm not able to have a farm so watching your videos makes me feel less crappy about not having one lol

[@mariefriedmann3203]

Beautiful picture of the farm.

[@jessicamcwilliams3346]

You described the plot from Green Acers.

[@rogerclarke7407]

is he old enough to know Green Acres?

[@jessicamcwilliams3346]

@@rogerclarke7407 I don't know... im younger then Morgan is and it was a show i loved watching with my dad. It just occurred to me that when Morgan was talking in the beginning he described the show.

[@goredongoredon]

I never realized this before but I've always considered Green Arces as my favorite tv show of all time; maybe that's one of the reasons I like this channel?!

[@jessicamcwilliams3346]

@@goredongoredon yes I realized it today which is why i commented what I did, but I've been watching this channel for ages.

[@based._.Yatharth]

Life goals

[@richleviness3007]

Also… thanks for always sharing ! I have a very small flock of 8 ducks of all different breeds. Learned a lot from you so far

[@Pinion512]

You talked about the dogs, cats, birds, weird chickens, and cows... It's almost as if the bees just don't exist.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Nah…just sleeping right now

[@melanieortiz712]

😂🤣YOU digging at Doug and Stacy😂🤣.

[@Sgod100]

Wonderful update as alway! If she is comfortable doing so, could Allison host a video in the spring? I would love to watch a video with her planning, planting, and touring her garden. ❤

[@jakefilmore]

I'm watching because we just bought a farm! We have little experience with livestock but need to escape the city & want to be more self sufficient. Neighbors around raise animals, one has Buffalo & lots of Mennonites too. Wish us luck, we will need it!

[@debrafisher7373]

You've come so far but I still enjoy watching you ride the struggle bus once in a while 😉

[@kamitoki]

I'm waiting for the My bees are dead because of genetics! video.

[@LTRiggs321]

deffinitely need a outdoor thermometer!

[@juliamcshits1323]

I'm starting My farm plans by growing grains for the birds. Eventually hoping to grow enough to maintain birds year round with added nutrients and vitamins obviously, that's when my profit starts (because buying the birds food is more than I'd make selling eggs)

[@straycatvideos1574]

This guy reminds me of Oliver Douglas of Green Acers

[@treborretsnom6186]

Dude...I subscribed to OUR FRIEND ALFRED ❤️... happy 😁😊

[@paperchaser9565]

I love your new hoop house, it’s huge! Nice!

[@stephaniestreet5281]

Thank you thank you!!! Perfect timing.

[@lightsaber9590]

I think about the possibility of moving out of Chicago and getting back to farm life which I lived more than half my life. There is nothing like it. There's a certain feeling i'm sure a lot of farmers know and it becomes even more obvious once you leave the farm for good. I miss it so much. Again, nothing like it!

[@Sweetandsavoryfarmette]

Yesterday was one of those out of the routine mornings here. Bu things got back on track. Adapt & readjust.

[@jamespratt529]

That macho man impersonation was on point!

[@brendasmith2974]

If your veggie garden was in raised beds you could use the silkies there for pest control like Cog Hill is planning for their raised garden

[@jbbrown7907]

If I had a farm I'd want a Ginny Barn Cat.

[@kc4941]

I laughed so hard when you started singing with Fleetwood Mac!

[@ratskullz_x]

I love animals and would want to have farm animals but im from england there isnt much land to buy without a lot of money. I only have some parsley and a flower in my care but it makes me so happy they are doing well and ive really found a passion id never thought I had and i hope to start growing veggies and more flowers when its gets a bit warmer as my back garden is actually quite big (for a england garden), I cant wait! I hope it does well!

[@TheKankeinaiFactor]

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your starting farmer self to get off the ground faster? Either from a business perspective or general success as you see it ecologically

[@jordondax]

Bonnie will eventually become calmer hopefully lol

[@Phuktup3]

I want to do this, thank you for this video

[@bigthermite6152]

Why does it feel like I’ve seen this exact same title like 3 different times on this channel lol

[@GoldShawFarm]

I try to give a recap for folks who are new. What would you like to hear about?

[@bigthermite6152]

Well I appreciate the recaps I just feel like this specific title has been used a few times over during my time as a subscriber (I’ve been a subscriber for a little over a year I believe). The content is good overall I appreciate seeing the animals in general.

[@my67falcon]

Charlie is my head goose. She comes up to me for various conversations about feeding schedules and bed times. The other geese stand back till we are done with our meeting and await her orders. Maverick is the flock muscle. When a rooster gets a bit violent with a hen, he runs to their rescue; placing the aggressive rooster on my culling list. The ducks are scared of everyone and generally last to every event. They have grown fond of my sole surviving guinea but she does a good job as their sub group leader. Jake From State Farm is our only barn cat as Peach Toadstool Princess of Darkness left for the after world. He's a good mouser and let's the chickens walk all around him without a care. Baby chicks are of no interest to him either, but let a baby bunny lose around him and.....well, it gets graphic. These aren't just animals, they are a community. They form their roles and perform their tasks; each with a twist and personality all their own.

[@borisbadenov8613]

Every time I watch your videos the theme song from Green Acres runs through my head.

[@paulehd]

Great video