Sunday Solopreneur

Read on my website – Read Time: 6 Minutes

One of the most common things I hear from folks is:
“I want to start a farm or homestead someday… but right now I can’t because … (insert reason)”

You’re not alone. Starting is the hardest part.

I’ve talked with many new and aspiring farmers, and the early stages are almost always the most confusing and overwhelming.

So today, I want to give you four key priorities that will help you get started the right way—whether you’re looking to raise animals, grow food, or just become more self-sufficient.

What Most New Farmers Get Wrong

Before we dive into what to do, let’s quickly hit some common mistakes that can really trip people up:

• They start researching everything and get overwhelmed by tools, gear, and techniques.
• They feel like they need the perfect land, perfect fencing, or perfect setup before starting anything.
• They burn out trying to do everything at once—eggs, veggies, pigs, goats, beekeeping, and sourdough all in year one.
• They confuse homesteading with off-grid prepping and forget about the actual lifestyle they want.

These mistakes are normal—I’ve made most of them myself. But if you want to actually make progress and not just scroll Pinterest boards about DIY chicken tractors, here’s where to start.

Priority 1: What specific goal are you working toward?

Wanting “a simpler life” or “to live off the land” is a great vision—but it’s not specific enough to act on. What does that actually look like for you?

Instead, narrow it down:

• Do you want to feed your family from your backyard?
• Are you hoping to start a side business selling eggs or pork at the farmers market?
• Are you trying to build a full-time income farm?

Once you know the end goal, you can actually build a plan. Ask yourself:

• What skills or systems would I need to reach that goal?
• What kind of land, time, or resources do I already have?
• What’s realistic for the first year?

Being clear about your why and your what is the first step to avoiding burnout.

Priority 2: What kind of farm life fits YOU?

Every farm or homestead looks different because every person is different. You have to build around your life, not someone else’s Instagram feed.

• Are you a full-time worker who can only feed animals twice a day?
• Do you live on a suburban lot with a big backyard but no tractor?
• Are you trying to homeschool kids while also building out your dream garden?

These factors matter. Think through:

• Your schedule
• Your energy and ability to do physical work
• Your support system (spouse, kids, neighbors?)
• Your interests—are you more excited about animals or vegetables? Meat or flowers?

The best farm is the one that fits your actual life.

Priority 3: What’s your first simple win?

Most new farmers make the mistake of trying to do too much in year one. The truth? Starting small and succeeding is way better than going big and burning out.

You don’t need a 10-acre master plan. You need one good thing that works. Maybe it’s:

• A small flock of backyard chickens for eggs
• A raised bed garden that actually feeds your family
• Selling a few dozen meat birds to coworkers
• Starting a roadside stand with veggies or flowers

Start with something you can learn, manage, and finish. Then build from there.

Your early success will build confidence and momentum—and teach you lessons you can’t get from YouTube alone.

Priority 4: Who are you learning from?

The right information can save you years of frustration. But too much info from too many sources will paralyze you.

Pick 2–3 people or resources to follow closely—farmers or homesteaders who actually live a life similar to the one you want.

Look for:

• Someone in your climate or region
• Someone doing a similar scale farm or homestead
• Someone who’s honest about what works (and what doesn’t)

And if you’re building a business, follow folks who talk about sales, marketing, and customer service, not just soil amendments and DIY waterers.

Bonus tip: Don’t try to reinvent everything. Learn from people who’ve made the mistakes already. Copy what works. Make it your own later.

In Conclusion

If you’re dreaming of starting a homestead or farm, don’t just jump in headfirst. Get clear on these four things first:

1. What are you actually trying to do?
2. What fits your lifestyle and interests?
3. What’s your simple first win?
4. Who are you learning from (and ignoring)?

You don’t need a ton of land or money to get started. You just need clarity, focus, and a willingness to take the next right step.

And if you’re thinking ahead to things like farm signs, email lists, or even selling online someday — don’t stress. When we started our farm, I built our first website from scratch, and now I help other farmers do the same through Homegrown Hosting. No pressure at all — just know that you’re not alone when it comes to the tech stuff.

If you want more help starting your farm, check out the free resources at The Part-Time Farmer. That’s where I share tips, tools, and tutorials to help people just like you grow food, raise animals, and build something you’re proud of.

with my appreciation,

Jason

Aka: The Part-Time Farmer​

​homegrownhosting.com​

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