Working Full Time While Building Her Farm Dream with Brenna Beard

2024-12-03

“Some years you're going to make more money than other years and I think as long as you don't outpace your budget, then you'll end up being just fine.” Meet Brenna Beard, a beginning farmer who's building her operation while working full-time in ag sales. Starting with just 35 acres of her dad's land, she's doubled her acres and even bought her first piece of ground - all while living 50 minutes from the farm. Her story shows how the next generation is finding creative ways to keep family farms alive, proving you don't need hundreds of acres or fancy equipm...

“Some years you're going to make more money than other years and I think as long as you don't outpace your budget, then you'll end up being just fine.”

Meet Brenna Beard, a beginning farmer who's building her operation while working full-time in ag sales. Starting with just 35 acres of her dad's land, she's doubled her acres and even bought her first piece of ground - all while living 50 minutes from the farm. Her story shows how the next generation is finding creative ways to keep family farms alive, proving you don't need hundreds of acres or fancy equipment to get started in farming.

Key Topics:

Starting small in farming (35 acres to 75 acres)

Managing a full-time career while farming

Family farm transition challenges

Working with custom operators for equipment needs

Trying new farming practices vs traditional methods

Purchasing first piece of farmland

Balancing time between work and farm

Marketing challenges for beginning farmers

Future plans for expansion

Working with family and clear communication

Using vacation time for planting and harvest