Beginning Organic Farmer, 3 acres, request for advice
Having issues with zoning here in SW PA. Was told we could have events now being told we cant. So my focus is on farming and updating our business plan. I'm seeking ideas and advice from those with experience.
Pictured is a 3 acre field. We have been working on ridding it of poison ivy and started a fenced in garden. Lots of deer here. Less rabbits, coyotes take care of them.
We are applying for a high tunnel and help with irrigation.
Planting an orchard in the right back which is the South West part of the field. The view of this picture is facing South.
My husband and I are still working, so we do not have 100% focus on the farm.
We already started Beekeeping and had 25 lbs of honey this year from 4 colonies. (2 swarms)
We are having the kitchen certified because we found products are going to be more profitable. Jams, jellies and frozen pizzas.
We are in a very rural area though May-Nov there are a lot of tourists. About 10k a week passby on the nearby bike trail, 7 miles away.
We have coyotes, bobcat, hawks.... So our chickens get out though not hugely free roamed. I'd like to build better runs with roofs to protect them.
We have 10 acres of woods besidea this field to play with.
We have a beautiful building to teach classes, though that is what I'm currently talking to attorneys about, we are being told we cannot have events due to the local ordinance. We bought the place 2 years ago and the zoning officer said we could do all that we wanted to do... So now I'm working with what we've got.
Advice, tips, on what can help us become profitable.
Ideas include commercial vermacomposting, expanding the Beekeeping, getting more chickens, growing flowers, and more products from the veggies we grow..