How to Start an Unconventional Farm

People often want advice on how to start a farm that is unconventional. Here's all of my best advice for an unconventional farm business strategy.
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Gold Shaw Farm
PO Box 225
Peacham, VT 05862
About Gold Shaw Farm: Gold Shaw Farm is more of a farm-in-progress than an honest-to-goodness farm. Our dream is that someday we are able to transform our 150+ acre parcel of land into a regenerative and productive homestead and farm.

[@pagansbasin6657]

After being released so many times, you would think the quakens would know how go down the ramp without dying every time

[@LadysFarm]

😂😂😂 that’s so true! Haha funny

[@hic_tus]

hahaha dude they never learn!

[@LadysFarm]

@@hic_tus 😂

[@fjuedes]

Ducks are really bad walking _down_ steep slopes, my ducks sometimes "swim" downhill through the grass when it is wet and slippery. Plus that ramp is sagging more and more by the day! Morgan - five minute fix: A 2x4 with just _three_ screws, screwed in the middle under that ramp…

[@hic_tus]

@@fjuedes yeah plus they go out like school is finished lol

[@xXAxel864Xx]

I have zero interest in starting a farm of my own but for whatever reason, I watch Morgans videos religiously. It's some weird fascination I have with seeing how things progress and all the awesome animals I guess lol.

[@philmcearly]

Same. It reminds me of my childhood playing "Harvest Moon" on Game Boy Advance

[@nodigBKMiche]

Lol! Get Farming😊💕👍🏼

[@Megan-sf5vf]

It's interesting to watch the animals go about their lives

[@mocat1]

Likewise. Morgan’s channel, and one other.

[@alohahobbies]

Where is the garden railroad.

[@b.rileyjowett6925]

When I decided to try and start a farm I had no idea that I would end up selling quail eggs and tea made from an obscure Japanese plant related to mint, but that seems to be the bulk of what my future holds!

[@jillhumphrys8073]

I love growing herbs for tea. What is this Japanese plant you are speaking of?

[@goldengryphon]

@@jillhumphrys8073 I second this question! I'm finally getting some herbs that will survive and would love to have an "herb only" garden area with multiple beds for different things. A new tea plant would be amazing!

[@jillhumphrys8073]

@@goldengryphon I have 3 types of bee balm, hyssop, mountain mint in my front bed. I fill in spaces with stevia, different kinds of basil and lemon grass each year. There's a basil called Blue Spice basil that smells like bubblegum. It makes me think if the old juicy fruit gum when I was a kid. It's more sweet than savory and makes a lovely tea. So yeah, any more unique plants will have a special place in my garden.

[@goldengryphon]

@@jillhumphrys8073 Right now? I have some basil (spicy globe) I convinced to grow, a potted rosemary, and a yard of wild horsemint, goldenrod, and sweet bay. Wild onions, any number of asters, and lots of native grass. At least my sweet potatoes are doing well. I hope to be able to seek out herbs during the fall and winter so as to be able to set ou a nice herb garden with the local basics, and some new fun plants. I'll get there. I took a good 15 years off from gardening, so I know how to slowly work my way into a larger garden, and lots of smaller specialty beds will keep me busy with preparing soil and figuring out what I want to grow and where. Good luck to you and your gardening!

[@jillhumphrys8073]

@@goldengryphon where are you located?

[@ellesinky8667]

Dear Morgan, I'd love an update on the Weasleys' barn cats! Are they not loose yet? Keep doing what you're doing...

[@gilliangoodman3758]

Haven't seen anything about momma cat and her baby in a bit. Are they doing okay?

[@gauravdalal8143]

I think they are not on the farm now

[@maggieholden2662]

What happened to Lilly baby cat and mom?

[@SandrA-hr5zk]

They’re not released from the barn yet because he had to wait to get them fixed and shots. He mentioned it a few videos back. He didn’t want to leave them there that long, but it’s also for their own health.

[@821patty2]

There is 1 or 2 TikTok videos about them

[@Sugar.glass_4ever]

@@gauravdalal8143 where’s is the epik duc?

[@InspiredJJ]

I love those runner ducks 😁

[@weebboy4441]

Me too

[@madelinemodrak7644]

Morgan is right. They’re very anxious!

[@harrietcarpenter2387]

I luv the silkie chickens.

[@aggrotits.thunderbelch]

They're so funny and cute! 😂

[@mucknanna]

Me too

[@alansmith3781]

The runner ducks remind me of the Keystone Cops: running around in a panic.

[@suzeprimrose-7466]

haha, yes

[@kenlowder6932]

You’ve defined my farm. Muscovy ducks for eggs, ducklings and meat plus bug control. Runner ducks in the veggie area for eggs, ducklings, and bug control. Quail for eggs and meat. Veggies for csa sales and orange and black turmeric for niche crop

[@terywetherlow7970]

Muscovy for meat......yummm

[@rosebloodwater13]

🤣 I love Pablo Barn Cat's facial expression in the thumbnail. He just looks vaguely annoyed with life.

[@workout1520]

Your financial independence (Outside Job's) gives you the control to follow your own vision. Self funded "Farmer" Entrepreneurs are still the backbone of our country. Thank you for a great message.

[@anufabunmi7140]

You have been releasing so many videos and I am so happy! You give me an escape from suburban life and I love being able to see your beautiful farm progress. I hope this comment will encourage you to keep up the good work because you really help people. :)

[@LadysFarm]

Join the movement of Homesteading getting back to our roots

[@HarnosT31]

WHATS UP WITH THE OTHER 2 BARNCATS ????????????? THERE IS NO UPDATE ON THEM FOR WEEKS ??????

[@briangarrow448]

I live in the Pacific Northwest and we have tree farms. One crop every 50 years or so. It ain’t fast, but the payout is good at harvest time.

[@saynotop2w]

Isn't tree farm just an orchard

[@briangarrow448]

@@saynotop2w An orchard usually refers to trees grown to harvest fruits or nuts. A tree farm usually refers to an area where trees are planted to be cut down later and harvested for the wood.

[@doloresreynolds8145]

In Michigan, there are lots of Christmas Tree farms. The turnaround is usually 7-9 years from seedlings in the field to harvesting the crop. They must be pruned or ‘shaped’ at least a couple of times within those years. They grow well on marginal soil, so lots of people rent out their fallow land for this crop.

[@doloresreynolds8145]

@@saynotop2w

[@yaboi3702]

In your situation I would imagine that your actual main enterprise is KZbin, because that’s likely your most profitable and successful thing so far

[@benjaminsagau]

I doubt he would be sustainable without any extra income.Probably enough for food for his family..But not for the bills and expansion

[@davelawson2564]

@@benjaminsagau I've seen youtube farmer make 40% - 60% of their income from youtube/t shirts/course etc . non-farm income.

[@TheSheepGame]

It’s the unconventional stuff I love! Totally different from my own Channel where i’m very conventionally farming sheep! Love seeing a different way of living the farming dream😁

[@kennethjohnston9736]

I know I said this here before but I am going to say it again, “happy meat just tastes better.”

[@SandrA-hr5zk]

If I lived anywhere near there, the idea of having a roasted duck for Christmas dinner sounds amazing. I mean, it’s fun watching them on video, but I can understand the line between pet and food.

[@goldengryphon]

Yes. I do my best to give my livestock as happy and comfortable (for them) a life as possible. I think happy chickens lay happy eggs and happy meat tastes very good, indeed.

[@chancevang8544]

Damn running a farm looks fun but I know it's gonna take lots of work and idk if I wanna do that. Right now I'm on my couch and chilling on my phone watching Gold Shaw Farm.

[@Jazzy13044]

Same

[@LadysFarm]

It’s pouring rain right now. I’m eating breakfast watching GSF I have over 200 chickens 4 pigs 8 dogs and a husband I care for. You can do it. It is hard work. Hustle in the morning to slow it down in the afternoon ❤️❤️❤️

[@chancevang8544]

@@LadysFarm My coop in my backyard has only 5 chickens(1 Rooster, 4 hens). Can't even imagine having 200. Must be hard work and I'm happy that you're able to do it without just giving up on your chickens.

[@LadysFarm]

@@chancevang8544 I love my birds ❤️❤️❤️

[@chancevang8544]

@@LadysFarm that's good☺

[@MrsTigercat]

I think we are about due for a Molly/Ginny barn cat update.

[@Sorsha101]

What's happening with the new barn cats?

[@kingautumn569]

he got molly neutered

[@trishhamilton2049]

Where is the other kitties????? Jenny???

[@pcfan1986]

Molly and Ginny? I was wondering that too.

[@dldove22]

Have you thought about clearing away the weeds from the base of the trees for about a foot and then mulching the area? In a video I watched recently Monty Don said it would double the growth of trees, and I'd think giving them a better chance of survival at the start.

[@veramae4098]

Roundup. I know it's gotten a bad rap, but it's awesome. Once dead, the weeds ARE the mulch. And no endless weeding. You need 4 miles deep of mulch to really keep the weeds out. So to speak.

[@vickiemeisinger9632]

Dear Morgan, I really admire your unconventional farm techniques and I love it that you’re doing it YOUR WAY❣️❣️ I love how much we out here in the Internet World / KZbin World Benefit from the fact that you Choose to take time (or LOVE TO TAKE TIME TO MAKE VIDEOS FOR US) about Your Unconventional Farm!! I love your HONESTY, And your humbleness, when you talk about your farm. You have no arrogance about your process or premeditated ideas and reasoning yet, there is a definite pride in what you do and how you go about doing it. Your farm is beautiful. I took the time out to listen to an “open mic conversation” video recently, where you took questions and answered, everything about your farm past and present as well as future. I learned a lot more than just from the videos I had watched. You could see in your face, the JOY and the PRIDE you had, when you talked about your unconditional farm. I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU❣️❣️ I think it was a two hour program it seemed like it because people were just rapidly shooting in questions to you and you had a large audience immediately and I was so happy for you you have so many followers and Admirers❣️❣️♥️♥️ The thing I have always noticed about all of your videos is how calm you are and how jolly you are in the morning when you creature animals,… It’s not just the words you say but the inflection of your tone and the happiness as you call out their names, “ Good Morning, Funny Chickens! Come out & Greet the Day!!”😊😊” I also was very impressed and greatly admired during the open mic conversation, you never got angry about anything anyone said not one time. There was a repeated emphasis throughout that conversation of people and their opinions regarding why don’t you have goats in fact I had said that in myself thinking miniature goats would be a good thing to help with the taller weeds especially around the beehives and areas where you have rocks I and it’s harder to get a piece of mowing equipment in the little goat just get right in there; and repeatedly people wanted you to have exotic birds such as peacocks and pheasant, etc… and you stayed so cool when it came up time in again and you just explained why this was not right for YOUR FARM - YOUR VISION! Same with the Breed of Cattle- many people had opinions, or suggestions on Various breeds of cattle. You listened and even validated what they were saying, but you came back to the most important point every time, and that was, YOU & YOUR WIFE & MADE A LONG TERM PLAN & IT WASN’T RIGHT FOR YOUR “UNCONVENTIONAL” FARM❣️! You even explained how much had to be done in preparing a year or two before the cattle could come on your property that I have never even thought about. We had cattle on our farm and in my point of you as a child, dad went to the auction for a grandpa and dad made a deal with a farmer, the trucks went and got them and the cows arrived on our farm…AN EXCITING DAY- NEW COWS!! I never knew of anything else like what you talk about and I am very impressed with the amount of thought that you put in to every animal it comes onto your farm. You talk about you are just learning and people should look elsewhere for their information their knowledge but I think you and your wife have a lot to share an offer with people; MUCH GREATER THAN YOU REALIZE❣️❣️THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE EXTREME AMOUNT OF TIME OUT TO MAKE (& EDIT) ALL YOUR VIDEOS AS THEY HAVE HELPED TREMENDOUSLY THIS LAST 18 months, approximately, as I fight cancer issues & Heart Disease… DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME!! I AM GOING TO BE FINE! Everyone has their jobs to do- this is mine for now, BUT YOUR VIDEOS HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY, EDUCATION, HAPPINESS Living vicariously through your farm♥️♥️ , And I am learning right along with you and LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT😊😊❣️❣️ Can’t wait for the next video

[@tj6930]

The runners-- so so funny! I could watch them all day. I love all the animals, but they are so cute and funny!

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

all of your animals look so happy and healthy! they're absolutely gorgeous

[@tychodancer]

The dog jumping up on the fence for attention was so cute and funny. I saw him in staring in the background when you went to pet pablo. So precious.

[@BaalFridge]

Thank you so much for the vlogs they've been a highlight of pandemic life for me. Your good mood is contagious and so is the love your animals and you have for each other. Thank you. You are an inspiration to me and others too im sure. Keep following your dreams, you're amazing!

[@SpaghettiBrainX]

you're a big inspiration to me! I'm 20 years old and I found my passion for farming birds about a year ago. I've started with chickens in my fortunately large garden but my goal is to secure land and raise all sorts of bird as well as goats! Thank you so much for telling us your story, it's really helped me find the motivation to start on my own projects.

[@MyEverything789]

When will moly be out of barn

[@conniedoolin4578]

When the news get too depressing I run to your channel and you never disappoint! Thank you!

[@lookasnake]

Highly respect your values and adaptability! Makes Gold Shaw super resilient and sustainable!

[@katiehettinger7857]

To me, you are doing a farming experiment and I'm here to see how it goes. It's a great story, with lots of twists and turns. I'm rooting for you to find a great new model for small farmers.

[@fjuedes]

Definition of an »unconventional farm«: Any farm that has not been turned into an industrial sized operation that pumps out produce or meat of doubtful quality. I wish more and more people would start to grow at least a little bit of their food themselves!

[@grammieseven6604]

Love hearing from you our story, Morgan! You are doing such a great job in telling your story! Keep it coming! Regards from the Jersey Shore

[@KenS1267]

I think finding niche markets and filling them has to be the future for small farms, and small businesses more generally. You could sell some organic pastured chicken eggs at $4 or 5/dozen (or whatever is your bare minimum profit level) but some guy with nothing but chickens and no desire to do anything with his property but chickens could do the same thing and just beat you with economies of scale, and still be organic etc.

[@sunnyday5621]

Yoyr videos are a treat. Information with humor and a story line. You are tops on KZbin.

[@tracydean3678]

Did you notice your flock is following you around? So cute.

[@Bonekitten]

Aww the young geese are too adorable. Watching your videos has made me really want to have Buff geese on a homestead someday. :D

[@booklover620]

Being a retired kindergarten teacher and hobby children's book writer you animals are perfect characters! Lenny... Oh what a wonderful story he may become in my hobby😊😊. Of course the stories go nowhere other than onto my shelves however they are so fun. If Lenny does end up having his own story you will definitely get it... As long as you promise to read it to all of the Outsiders!

[@Sarahs-Faith]

So are the momma and baby cats still being kept prisoner in the barn? How are they doing? You know the longer you keep them up there the more scared that kitten is going to be of the outside world. And animals are smarter than you think, the mom cat has already seen the outside and didn’t run away so I’m thinking she won’t now either, but who knows she might runaway if she feels scared of you locking her up again. I understand needing to get them use to the barn and having them locked up for a bit but there is such a thing as to much. Just food for thought.

[@lunarglow75898]

it wasn't just a question of getting them used to the barn, He mention in a previous video that he also wanted to neutered them and have them get their shot before release.

[@davidbattista5751]

Really like your introspection, Morgan. Your thought process is always a good complement to the video content! Good luck with getting the cattle

[@rblibit]

And a part of your story which you will not tell, but which we can see from the outside through your story telling is that YOU are a really nice guy with a big heart. Quite a likeable guy!

[@lilywells3909]

This is so helpful. I'm starting my own exploration process and it's been so wonderful to watch your journey. With my background in program management, I honestly can't imagine /not/ having a diverse set of enterprises.

[@thesussyfoodcridictofameri2687]

This video made me fell like I was on a field trip to a farm lmao

[@nicholas3354]

I think it is important that Morgan cares so authentically for his animals. The only communication animals understand is unspoken and relational; it can be expressed in voice and in rudimentary vocabulary (such as bird calls), but it's still the same authentic relational awareness. Go Morgan.

[@bradmiller6507]

I own a 14 acre unconventional farm surrounded by big industrial farms. Still learning and not dependent on revenue from it. It’s hard work and that’s improved my health and made me a much happier person.

[@Gardentotableliving]

I agree with you 100%. I’ve decided to be unconventional as well by focusing on bonsai trees, mushrooms and gamefowl

[@brandondaigle6759]

Watching your videos got me started raising birds I have quail pheasants and chickens so far. Haven't sold anything yet but like you said it takes time. Thanks for sharing your story. Much love from the bottom of louisiana.

[@teresatrujillo4410]

I think the runner ducks are my new favorites! They are hilarious! Great job!

[@marigoldpassinghomestead6051]

Those runner ducks make me soooo happy!!! I will have to have some one my small farm

[@futurehomestead1263]

Morgan, your farm has always been my favorite

[@glendabaldwin4423]

I subscribed to you this year, because you are unconventional! Some of the other homestead-farm You Tubers copy each other, especially if they are increasing in subscribers quickly, even to the point if one youtuber or bloger gets sick, a few days later others will follow their lead! So keep doing you, you stand out and I see you and MR Toby dog, "The Boss".

[@gardeningperth]

Wish you well with all the plans you have with your farm!

[@MoYvStarkey]

I love the runner ducks. They are my favorite. Their group running reminds me of Tex Avery cartoons.

[@miditrax]

IMO every farm has unconventional aspects - even the mega factory operations have their quirks due to local conditions, etc. That being said, there is a case for the charms of a small, well-rounded family-run organic farm, but people often underestimate the sheer amount of money and work it requires.

[@sandralane1923]

If I could have a farm, I would use your unconventional ideas as a model for my own unconventional farm. Keep up the great farm. Love your channel.

[@urbanhomesteadingpdx]

Love your unconventional farm. Thanks for all that you have shared of your journey farming.

[@anitasmith4559]

Hobby farms are fun because of the relaxed temperament.

[@user-nm1rv2bh7k]

Can we get an update on the new barn cats?

[@StoneKathryn]

I enjoyed this Morgan. Loved seeing the runner ducks! What a bunch of clowns. Loved hearing how you are making the decisions about your farm by observation and maket analysis. I really like the look of your farm. I've heard that pigs really like chestnuts. Have you ever thought of having pigs below your chestnut trees when they trees are a lot bigger? I like that you are considering cattle. It is really fun to see you work your farm.

[@sallyweiner4180]

I love your farm!!! And I love your approach too

[@Magnetis0101]

Morgan I have NEVER seen a more Obsessive story teller than you on and channel i watch.. LOL I mean every single video is a story with you.

[@checle4499]

Unconventional farms should be the norm - don't you think? Love what you do. Love Joel Salatin. Wish every family had the means and courage to do what you do.

[@YankeeValleyOutdoors]

Great things coming for your farm keep up the good work.

[@margaritagalarza3233]

loving your stories

[@toser923]

Your videos are really awesome :3 Love from Germany :D

[@jonathancraft549]

The running ducks are hysterical . I watch your show and seeing those ducks crack me up. Too funny

[@cherylreuter4008]

Loved this video! Thanks Morgan 💜

[@KarlaHafdahl]

Your farm is genius. I love it.

[@MFRIMFL]

Your farm is unique and badass.... that's what makes it great!

[@ryankirk2007]

I dont read all the comments but you know your doing a good job 👍🏼

[@benny_lemon5123]

Oh boy, you read my mind lol. Thank you for addressing this topic!

[@Christommyfmx]

Glad to see the runner flock out with the others!

[@searchfield]

Thank you for this Wisdom ❤️

[@neenajaydon9641]

I visited my dad, who lives and works on a small farm on Vancouver Island, and they have a small flock of runner ducks. They do run around like that all the time! Watching them just never gets old. If I ever get to live on a farm, I definitely want some runner ducks.

[@Seriouslioness]

I dont know why but I will always watch these videos and like and comment. I just love them

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@twistedtuned4273]

it would be so awesome to have a fence and animals like yours

[@sunshinewaters5335]

I couldn’t take minus 20 weather either! Flamingoes are beautiful, we have them in zoos here. Nice lesson on these amazing birds.

[@lindseymashburn-fonzeroth1806]

Thanks to your adventures in farming, I took a risk and let one of my hens hatch some eggs. I have 4 babies and she's being such a great mom! This is an amazing experience and I have you to thank for it.

[@MeineElsterKobold]

Hey, i was wondering, what happened to the new barn cats? We haven't had an update in ages

[@katieblack9619]

I love your farm, I bred ducks years ago and just started up another small flock

[@sharontracy2151]

Sounds the vlog Daniel Arms did this week about Arms family homestead. You do you. You do it so well

[@meenha1976]

I really wish I could start an unconventional farm. You have made my "farmville" dream come true. The only extra animal I would have is a few goats.

[@euanlewis5977]

Loving the vids lately :)

[@LadysFarm]

Me too

[@LadysFarm]

Me too

[@nancylitton390]

Good information. I don't know how you do it..... You give out,basically, the same information but in a different way. Still fun and information!😁 Thanks for sharing.

[@joanneganon7157]

Im glad your Runner Ducks are well and happy! JO JO IN VT 💕😄

[@debbiebarrie9432]

I have 4 geese...Rita and Ruby, Alfie and Benny... I love watching them... Ruby and Bennie teamed up and after laying an egg or two in her nest over a month, has now hunkered down to hopefully hatch some goslings... we'll see soon ... I got the geese first, so when the 4 chooks came to live, my 3 cats and dog would be suitably terrified of our feathered friends. I bought 4 chickens and got a runner duck for free... she is in love with the rooster and won't leave him alone.. After watching your adventures I have decided I should find Mr Right for Puddles... cos those Runner ducks are adorable!

[@rebeccaweil1]

Runner ducks are the meerkat ducks of Gold Shaw Farm

[@280785HH]

It’s such an easy fix to just put a rock or something underneath the duck ramp in order for them not to trip on the way down

[@mobydickswife9512]

Or a couple of concrete blocks.

[@kathleenpayne564]

I also love the runner ducks. Moving in a batch

[@CassieDavis613]

Morgan, it was smart keeping your job. Two other YT homestead guys that I watch had to join their wives and return to off homestead jobs.

[@karenleblanc6634]

Those runner ducks crack me up every time ❤

[@Elodarian]

Could you please update us on the two additional barn cats?

[@KarlaHafdahl]

I see lots of ways to plant rows of flowers; roses, sunflowers, daffodils, etc. to make the farm look more colorful.

[@WovenWilderness]

Would love to see a video on the business behind your trees and the saplings that you have been selling

[@sltysailor]

What happened to the two trainee barn cats?

[@evelyndole4618]

Puddle duck fell coming down the ramp. Got up and acted like I didn’t fall and the walked down the rest of the way. I love your ducks and much as my own (I have 10 ducks).

[@LKAPMAJLA]

What''s going on with your other barn cats? I haven't seen them in awhile.

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

I love your farm soooooooo coooooool! From Ontario Canada

[@BR7Fan71]

I have to agree. The runner ducks are funny to watch 🤣

[@tompowell6723]

Don't forget about the alcohol and vinegar you can make from your fruit bearing trees. Then of course there will be the picking that will produce pickles and other pickled vegetables. You go guy!