Become a Better Farmer in Just 5 Minutes per Week
Read on my website – Read Time: 5 Minutes
Hey Reader,
Ten years ago when we started this farm, I thought success was all about the farming part – better chicken breeds, perfect pasture rotation, ideal processing schedules. And sure, those things matter. But looking back now, the things that actually moved the needle? They had nothing to do with farming skills.
The farms that thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the best livestock or the prettiest gardens. They’re the ones that understand three foundational things that come BEFORE you ever need a website, fancy marketing tools, or even your first sale.
I learned these the hard way – through mistakes, wasted time, and a lot of trial and error. If I could go back and tell myself three things before we started? These would be it.
1. Your Story (And the Habit of Sharing It)
Before you sell anything, people need to know WHO you are and WHY you farm the way you do.
This is what sets you apart – not just from grocery stores, but from every other farm. Your story creates the trust and connection that makes people WANT to buy from you.
And here’s the thing – you don’t need a fancy website to start telling it. Instagram, Facebook, even a simple email to friends and family. Just start bringing people along for the journey.
When we started sharing our story – the honest moments, the wins AND the challenges – that’s when things clicked. People don’t just want products. They want to know the people behind them. They want to be part of something real.
Start now. Share what you’re working on. Talk about why you’re doing this. The connection you build today becomes the foundation for everything else.
2. One Thing Done Well
Not 150 different seed packets. Not chickens AND pigs AND cattle AND a market garden all at once. Pick ONE thing and get really good at it.
When we first moved here, I literally bought ~ 150 different seed packets. I was gonna grow ALL the things.
10 different varieties of tomatoes, 5 different cucumbers, … Salsify (To this day, I have no idea what Salsify even is).
I spent more time drawing pictures in notebooks and making maps of where I’d plant everything than I did actually gardening. And you know what? None of it did very well because I was spread so thin and attempted way too much (with very little knowledge) at once.
Same thing happens with livestock. People want to do chickens AND pigs AND goats AND cattle all at once.
Pick one. Master it. Get your systems down. THEN decide if you want to grow that enterprise or add something new. One thing at a time will save you so much stress, headache, and labor down the road.
You can’t market what you haven’t mastered. Get one thing dialed in first. That becomes your foundation.
3. Read Business Books, Not Just Farming Books
In hindsight, business and marketing books have served me way better than any farming book I’ve read.
Here’s the thing about farming – you really need to learn it by doing. It’s kinda like swimming. Sure, you can read about how to do it, but unless you’re actually in a pool of water, you’re not gonna learn to swim.
Marketing and business? Those have basic principles that apply whether you’re running a farm, a restaurant, or anything else. They’re the same across the board.
Three books that changed how I approach the farm business:
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber – Understanding the difference between working IN your business versus ON your business. This one hit hard.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller – How to talk about what you do in a way that actually connects with people. Game changer for farm marketing.
DotCom Secrets by Russell Brunson – The fundamentals of online marketing that actually work, no matter what you’re selling.
I still return to these every now and then and get something new each time I read (or listen) to them.
Most farmers study farming. The ones who succeed study business. That’s the real differentiator.
When a Website Actually Makes Sense
Notice something? None of these three things require a website.
Story? Social media works to get started. One product mastered? That’s about focus and systems. Business knowledge? That’s about learning and applying.
But here’s what happens when you’ve got these three dialed in and THEN add a website: Your story is clear and compelling. Your product is proven and profitable. Your marketing knowledge helps you actually USE the website effectively.
A website doesn’t create your farm business. It amplifies what you’ve already built. And if you’ve built it on these three foundations, that amplification is powerful.
That’s exactly why we built Homegrown Hosting the way we did. We’ve been in your shoes. We know what actually matters. When you’re ready – when you’ve got your story, your product, and your business knowledge – we’re here to help you amplify what’s already working.
But first? Start with these three.
Let me know what you think. Which one resonates most with where you’re at right now?
Thanks for reading, more to come.
with my appreciation,
Jason
Aka: The Part-Time Farmer
Your Farm Deserves a Website That Works as Hard as You Do
If you’re like most farmers, you know a website could help you grow your farm — but figuring it all out feels overwhelming.
That’s where Homegrown Hosting comes in.
Built by a farmer (me) for farmers like you, we’ll give you a website that’s simple, powerful, and designed to help you sell more and connect better with your customers.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Custom Site, Built for You: Your farm’s style, your photos — we bring it to life.
- Professional Copywriting: No stressing over what to say — we’ll help tell your story.
- Email List Setup: So you can stay in touch and turn visitors into customers.
- Marketing Guidance: Practical tips to help your website drive real growth.
👉 Ready to turn your farm website into one of your best tools for success?
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AI Disclosure: Every idea and opinion here is 100% human. I sometimes use AI to help with formatting, editing, or trimming things down—but the message is fully mine.