There is likely nothing quite like building your new lot of farm land up from a blank canvas.
It is exciting to plot and plan your farm… where your house will sit with the best views, what stock you will run and what you will name your special slice of farming life.
They are all very important factors.
But, believe it or not, there’s probably more pressing things to think about if your introduction to farm life is going to be as smooth as you had dreamed of.
Take it from someone who has lived it, you can spend a lot of money at farm clearing sales on stuff that’s never going to venture out of the back corner of the shed.
You're not going to need the shearing hand piece. And should you actually commit to milking the house cow, a stool and bucket will be sufficient over the single stand milking machine which seemed a bargain at $1200 - more than you paid for the cow itself.
Those lived experiences, and the kikuya growing over the $666 wooden boat I’d “definitely” use on the dam to get the siphon working, inform me of the following four must have items when setting up your farm.
A lockable shed
Without one, of decent size and quality structure, you put at risk of theft and out in the elements every purchase you’ll ever make from the local Ag store or clearing sale.
Fencing and yards
Even if the house is a lotto win or major career change away, you will no doubt find it hard to resist buying some kind of farm animal to take up residence on your property.
Protect that purchase with secure fencing and adequate shelter. Well established fencing and yards will prevent a full-time headache for a part-time farmer.
A tractor
Small, second hand or, if you desire, something with all the bells and whistles. A bucket is probably the most useful accessory. You’ll find in the beginning you’ll have plenty to dig, shift, dump and carry and a bucket will prove a great farmhand.
Water infrastructure
Pumps, pipes, troughs and outlets. It’s the lifeblood of a farm and essential to maintain stock, protect your property from the threat of fire and establish the grounds at the heart of your farming paradise.