Scott Mooney, Country Supply, Ottumwa, IowaBob Sakata, Sakata Farms, Brighton, ColoradoGo to the Transcript of this episode of Small Business SchoolArlyta Brown of The Feather Farm of Napa ValleyGrowing meal worms and iguana along the Mississippi River in steamy Louisiana
Industry: Agriculture and Animals
Warning to Urban and Suburban People
After studying these people and their lifestyles
you may be tempted to sell your home and move
back to the farm.

You'd probably be returning to your roots!

 
 Step 8. Exit at the top $$$$ 
 Step 7. Sustainability $$$$ 
 Step 6. Growth $$$ 
 Step 5. Employer $$ 
 Four to run / grow your business.
 
 Step 4. Sole proprietor $$$
 Step 3. Incubate $$$
 Step 2. Start-up $$
 Step 1. Initial idea $ 
 Four to start / run your business.

Go back just few generations and many of our families would be living on a farm. Go back a few more, and over 90% of us would be on a farm.

With the tensions in the urban and suburban communities edging up, it may be time for some of us to begin thinking about moving back to the farm.

You know farm life has changed. It is no longer remote and removed. With broadband, we all have equal access to the world. Plus, today's farms -- the types of farming -- are almost as diverse as city living, and surely out "in the sticks" there is a special melody where they all sing, "Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry sky above, don't fence me in!"

If you already own a farm, we specially welcome you; and we welcome you to add your own stories to these few stories that we have.

There are links to case studies, transcripts and overviews below. And, there are eight steps (up over on the right). But first, let us truly caution you. These people all make it look easier than it is. All of them have had failures. There is nothing about running a business that is for wimps.

As a goal, hyperlink that step where you want to be.

You may also want to review all the stories of those people in other business types that you find interesting. If you can not find a business category, please let us know.

Stories of the founders Overview Case Study Transcript Video State
Country Supply Yes Yes Yes Yes IA
Ekkwill Waterlife Yes Yes Yes No FL
The Feather Farm   Yes Yes Yes No CA
Fluker Farms Yes Yes Yes Yes LA
Sakata Farms Yes Yes Yes Yes CO

There is an ever-growing spectrum of possible farms.

CASE STUDIES: All farms are 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week
  • One of the biggest suppliers for people with horses:
    Country Supply, Ottumwa, Iowa
  • One of the largest fish farms in the USA is still a small business:
    Ekkwill Waterlife
  • A Niche Farm in the highest-end farming community in the world:
    The Feather Farm. And when you finish with that visit, be sure you've made a reservation at the French Laundry, all in Napa Valley.
  • A global farm built on diversity: Fluker Farms has operations in Guatamala
  • Most farms are multi-generational family businesses: Sakata Farms.
    See how one farmer became a leader because he developed his expertise in corn and onions, and then created new farm equipment to eliminate the most back-breaking work of his people.
Also, learn more from the following: Get to know the United States Department of Agriculture and the very specific national trade associations in that part of the agriculture-farming-animal-reptile-rodent industry that appeals to you. Each of these people have active memberships in their unique associations. Here are just a few:

Business Basics: If you are thinking of moving out to the country to begin a business for the first time, please take some time with this introduction to business.