Purchasing equipment in the beginning
years of a business is a daunting task! There are so many options, and so many
ways to farm. Equipment is a huge time saver, however, it can be hugely
expensive, and sometimes extremely frustrating. How do you negotiate what to
buy in the first years of a business? Have a researched plan. Try it out. Stick
to a budget. Stay flexible.
Have a
researched plan!
§
Practical experience with the on-the-ground and day-to-day
operations of a farm similar in size to what you‘d like to run is invaluable.
No amount of reading or speculation can take the place of experience. If you
think you’d like to operate a 5- acre farm and haven’t ever worked on one
before: go do it first. Every farm will grow and change with time, but knowing
the scale at which you plan to start from personal experience helps enormously.
§
Farmers are your best resource! Talk to other farmers
operating at a similar scale or in a similar way to what you’d like to have
about what their experience has been with different systems. Ask about
different places they like to source equipment, the limitations and benefits of
systems you might like to purchase. Talking with other growers about their
systems and methods is often the most helpful and practical resource.
§
It’s important to plan systems where all parts work
together. There’s nothing more frustrating than having many pieces of equipment
that do not function well together. Carefully consider everything you need your
tractors and implements to accomplish before buying things. Sometimes a good
deal on an incompatible tractor seems like a better idea than it actually is.
Try it
out!
§
Having experience operating machines and equipment for
the scale on which you plan to operate prior to starting up is key! Is
there any way for you to get experience operating the equipment you are curious
about? Are there workshops that demonstrate equipment you are interested in
buying? Are there farmers in the area whose equipment you can try, or watch
them operate?
§
How easy is it to find replacement parts for the systems
you are considering? How quickly can you obtain them, when necessary, and do
you need the assistance of a mechanic to maintain or fix things? It isn’t
always easy to get a tractor into a mechanic’s shop, and being able to
troubleshoot problems and replace parts yourself can be a big time saver. Being
able to access parts and information quickly is a big plus to any equipment you
are considering buying. Do you have mechanic and welder friends, or possess
those skills yourself? If not, you may want to purchase newer equipment that
will not require the same degree of maintenance.
Stick
to a budget!
§
Can you buy it used? Check listings for farm auctions,
publications like Lancaster Farming, post on local farming list-serves. Most
equipment dealers sell used equipment and even list their inventory on-line.
§
Buy once. Invest in equipment that you don’t intend to
upgrade. Invest in equipment that has replaceable parts.
§
Purchase durable equipment. Make sure equipment can be
re-sold if you eventually change your farm system. Always treat your equipment
well, because someday you may outgrow it and want to re-sell.
§
You don’t need to buy it all at once. In fact, you
shouldn’t because you’ll want to adjust things over time. Make a plan to
purchase equipment over several years. Investing in basic systems that save you
time is important to do right out of the gate. Specialized equipment can be
purchased in subsequent years when you’ve established your business and better
understand what you need, and what crops are most profitable for your farm.
There may very well be farmers/businesses in your area who will loan or rent
you equipment that you only need at certain times of the year (i.e., grain
drills, seeders etc.).
Stay
Flexible!
§
As you gain growing experience, your systems and
experiences will change! It’s inevitable. It’s okay to modify things as you
learn more.
(by Rebecca
Munro, Education Director & Farm Manager The Seed Farm,
Penn State University)
No comments:
Post a Comment