Niche Farming

There are many things that you can grow that are considered specialty products. When you are first starting out it is always best to specialize in something that is not readily available in your area. It will also promote your status to semi-expert right away.

For example:  There are 3 greenhouses in a 50 mile radius of your home. The are your standard greenhouses and have been in business for years.  You could not compete very well as they have a solid customer base already, and people get used to doing business with the same people.

However if you had  “Bonnie Sue’s Specialty Herb and Gourmet Vegetables” you have just created a new niche.  The same people that have been going to Pat’s greenhouse for years don’t feel guilty or disloyal shopping at yours because you are different, and you will appeal to a different crowd as well.

This makes you the expert in the area even if you are just starting out.Since you have put together the business, and have gotten it off the ground chances are you know more than most of the people around. However don’t be afraid to also grow other things, like flowers, or even other vegetables in your greenhouse since people are there they might buy other things from you too.

I have to insert here it is very important when you are starting out that if you don’t know the answer let the person know you will find out and get back to them. DO NOT give them a false answer as this will come back to haunt you. Much of my business originally came because I was honest and told people the truth and not that you must use or buy my product because it was the only way to solve their problem.

It was also very hard for me at first when people referred to me as an expert. It took a few years to realize I was exactly that. I knew more than most of the people around about my niche. I now have been asked for job references from several Scientists and Professionals (people who have way more education and years of experience) in the Agricultural field because of becoming respected and doing my niche the best of anyone.

The best way to advertise your product is to address women’s, rotary’s and other such clubs, or to make donations in your area to any conferences that are coming to town. These can include coupons, small samples, or just a listing in the program.

Niches are important when competing in the farm area. You Joe Littleguy can’t compete with ConAgra unless you have a hook, or a niche. Look around the web and you will find that this is becoming more and more important because we all know Wal-Mart has everything and if you have it and they don’t you could succeed.

Now I just took a small snide jab at the “Big Boys” but don’t think that they are the enemy.  Just the opposite………..

If you can get a product of yours in their store, then your money woes are at a close.

There are many niche markets in “Small and Backyard Farming”  I will be listing more of  these in the future here. My plan is to talk in detail about each niche and give you some perspective of each different one.

The second part of this article has just a few examples of different types of niche farming and also gives resources for further investigation of these niches.

We will be putting each of these in a separate post along with many, more that aren’t listed.

  Organic Farming

With all of the food contamination going around right now it would be nice to go to the farm weekly and purchase my meat and vegetables, or have them delivered to my door and know there are no chemicals on them.

 Specialty Crops

These are the herbs, gourmet, xeriscape, seed growing, native plants, and many more niches that take extra care, or specific care. There is virtually no competition and by branding and marketing wisely you can make a ton of money on very little land.

 Animal Farming

With goats you can make several products including, soaps, lotions, skin creams, special foods, cheese and more.

With sheep you can get quickly into the fiber business, and hold classes and sell other fiber products.

With chickens, you can sell eggs, organic chicken, and raise babies to sell.

With Dairy cows you can have milk, cream, butter, and cheese to sell, as well as meat.

With rabbits you can sell the babies to pet stores, if you raise the right kind their fiber is very valuable, and you can raise them in your garage.

 Community Garden

If you live close enough to a large metropolitan area you can rent small raised beds out and give classes, and sell your seeds, etc. You can also hold festivals, and reserve one area if your land is big enough for a weekly farmers market. This may be slow at first but when it catches on watch out.

 Pets

You can raise or rescue pets. Think about farm animal pets, as many places can’t take animals like cows, horses, etc. If you structure your business well you can get grants to help support your efforts.

Little Dude Ranch with Big Heart

This idea came to me very recently. Since it is not for me I will share it with you. I normally charge around $3,000.00 for niche development so here is my gift for you.

You could run this as a B&B or as standalone depending on your situation. The ranch would be all miniature and small animals, young people could come alone, or with parents even as groups to learn to take care,of and about the animals on a farm or ranch. They would be expected to do chores, etc. However they also get to have some fun. The small animals would not scare them as much as larger ones.