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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Economics- sustainable ag?

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  • From: "Wiediger, Alison" <awiediger AT HART.k12.ky.us>
  • To: 'Market Farming' <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Economics- sustainable ag?
  • Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 08:46:06 -0600

I don't think this is unusual - in any farming, not just market farming. I
read somewhere (and can't remember where, so don't have a citation), that
90% of the household income in farm households last year was from off-farm
sources. Terrible statistic for those of us "addicted" to farming! There
are some doing it, but many more that are farming part-time, with one or
both partners in off-farm jobs.

Alison Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
My most ambitious plans would only
provide for about half the income I need. I have all the equipment, etc.
that I need, and my operating expenses (and living expenses) are low, but
my income is a LOT lower. Elliot Coleman's $6/hour seems about right, and
I only have that income for 20 weeks/year.

I can't even support myself, so hiring labor or getting a farming partner
would further drain money away from the farm. I don't want to have to get
a 'real job'...I love farming and think producing healthy, local food is
an important job. I'm really scrambling to make this work. I'd love to
hear ideas!

Lynn Wigglesworth
Cowbridge Farm
Tioga Co. PA




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