WOW! I never expected so many replies. Thanks for all the good advice and the heavy warnings.
I'm not afraid of hard work. Heck, I load and unload about 10,000 pounds of freight each month at the store. For a girl I'm pretty strong and not afraid to pick up a tool and get the job done.
My post was probably a little inaccurate. The small scale farming is more for self reliance than for profit. A lot of the orchard is going to be nut trees with a small mixture of fruits for canning. We want a garden to provide vegetables too.
As far as livestock, my idea is a few goats, a couple of sheep and maybe the occasional steer. Maybe a milk goat if I can find the time and some fowl.
Right now I am buying sheep, goats and goats milk through the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program from local farmers who buy locally grown feed. Most of these are resold through my store or are used to feed my own dogs. At least I know what the animals were fed and where they come from. I also go out to local U-Pick farms and get all my veggies. I try hard to keep my money working in my own community whenever possible.
Having clarified what I am trying to do can you suggest some tools or other items that are a must to have? Maybe some things to avoid and any other sage advice gained through the oops factor?
I've talked to the extension agent and we also have a farm number through the USDA. Neither agency has been a lot of help unless of course I want money or to plant pine trees, which I don't.
Thanks!
