As home prices in the city of Ottawa continue to rise, it may be tempting to pack up and move to the country. More and more people are moving further out and with that comes the opportunity to have a larger property which may be the perfect space for a hobby farm! Whether you are looking at a property that is already set up for this, or you want to start your own, here are some things that you should consider. If you know what you’re getting into and start small, this can be a fun thing to do.

1. What is a “Hobby Farm”?

Hobby farming is essentially as the name suggests, farming without the intention of turning it into your primary income. While many hobby farmers may sell their meat, eggs, or produce at local fairs, it is not their main source of income and their livelihood does not depend on it; it is a hobby done for the pure enjoyment of it!

2. Start Small and Have a Plan!

When you picture your dream hobby farm, you may picture a variety of animals and a table full of countless types of vegetables. It’s important to have goals but it is also important to be realistic! Start small and add as the years go by. This is also important when it comes to budget; acquiring livestock and the tools required for a larger operation can be quite costly and you may want to spread that out over time.

3. Become an Expert

They say that knowledge is power and this couldn’t be more true! Do as much research as you can before jumping in! Different animals have different requirements in terms of space, shelter, and food and it is very important to ensure that you are equipped to deal with them before you purchase. The same is true for vegetable crops. Make sure that your research is for this area as climate can have a huge impact on farming. Also, try to meet other hobby farmer in the area as they will have first hand experience to share.

4. Make Sure Your Property is Suitable

If you own your property already or are looking to purchase one to suit your hobby farming needs, it’s important to ensure that it will work for what you have planned. First of all, you will want to ensure that the zoning allows for the type of farming that you are planning on doing; check the City of Ottawa website for this! Then you will want to consider the landscape and space. It’s not necessary to have dozens of acres but you will want to ensure that you have enough space, with some to spare, for all that you have planned.

5. Work with a Realtor to Find the Perfect Property

If you are thinking of starting a hobby farm and want to find the perfect property, contact us today! We would love to help you find the perfect farm for you!

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