Sunday Solopreneur

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Why “You Can’t Make Money in Farming” Is Dead Wrong

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me, “You can’t make money in farming,” I’d probably have enough to, well… buy another cow. 🐄

Let’s be honest (and blunt)—this advice almost always comes from people who didn’t make money farming. It’s like taking financial advice from someone who’s perpetually broke.

The truth? Farming can be profitable—if you don’t fall for the same pitfalls as those who gave up, told themselves untrue stories, and ignored changing times.

Here are three reasons why “you can’t make money in farming” is the worst advice you’ll ever hear:

1. They Never Ran Farming as a Business

Farming isn’t just hard work—it’s a business. And like any business, it needs a plan.

Many people who say farming isn’t profitable treat it like a hobby, not an enterprise. They don’t track expenses, don’t price their products correctly, and don’t reinvest in the business.

I’ve even had farmers tell me my prices are outrageous—trying to make me feel guilty for what I charge. Truth is, like any business, there are costs, and you must charge based on those costs.

If you don’t know your numbers, you can’t set a price that pays the bills and puts food on your table.

The lesson? Know your numbers and charge accordingly. Be as diligent with your farm’s finances as you are with your chores. If someone isn’t questioning your prices, you probably aren’t charging enough.

A profitable farm doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with intention.

2. They Didn’t Adapt to the Market

The world changes, and farming has to change with it. Farmers who struggle to make money often grow or raise what they want instead of what their market demands.

If customers want eggs, don’t double down on growing heirloom rutabagas. If they want smaller packages of beef, don’t insist on selling only bulk quarters.

Successful farms listen to their customers, adapt their offerings, and diversify when needed. Sticking to the same plan year after year—even when it’s not working—is a recipe for failure.

3. They Didn’t Take Advantage of Opportunities

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: making money in farming isn’t just about working the fields. You have to put yourself out there.

We live in a time when nearly all knowledge is available in a tiny box (your phone 📱) that fits in your pocket.

Our great-grandparents are probably shaking their heads at how much opportunity we have—and how much of it we waste.

It’s up to us to look past the distractions (social media, 24/7 news) and focus our attention on what will actually make our lives better.

Marketing, networking, and connecting with your community might not feel natural, but they open doors you didn’t even know existed.

I’m super introverted, hate crowds, and love staying home. For years, I told myself I didn’t have to “put myself out there” because of it.

Looking back, I’m happy with where I’m at now that I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone—but I can’t help but wonder how many opportunities I missed because of the story I told myself.

When we started Longbottom Farm, we didn’t just wait for customers to come to us. We built a website (shameless plug for Homegrown Hosting – Link Below), showed up at local markets, and reached out to other farmers. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and yes, it’s hard work—but that’s where the real growth happens. 🌱

Conclusion:
​The next time someone says, “You can’t make money in farming,” remember: they’re probably speaking from their own experience, not yours.

Farming can be profitable if you treat it like a business, adapt to the market, and seize opportunities outside the field.

It’s not easy, but the best things in life never are.

P.S. What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Comment below and share—I’d love to hear your story!

with my appreciation,

Jason

Aka: The Part-Time Farmer​

​homegrownhosting.com​

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