Truck Farmer
What will I be doing ?
Who would want to grow trucks ? Actually, a truck farmer is a home-based business for those who want to select, cultivate and sell vegetables, herbs, plants and fruits to others for profit. It’s a mini-farm that sells produce directly to consumers either at a roadside stand or at local farmaers’ market. The term comes from the fact that the product is frequently sold out of the back of a pickup truck.
What will I need to start ?
To be a successful truck farmer you need some land where you can grow things. You don’t need 40 acres. In fact, you don’t even need one acre. You can grow products in efficient greenhouses and get some of your income from selling for others. However, if you do have some tillable land, so much the better.
You’ll also need some knowledge and experience growing and selling your products. Fortunately, there are many excellent books and courses on the topic available through Department of Agriculture Extension Service offices and through the Small Business Administration.
Who will my customers be ?
Customers include individuals and restaurants. A produce stand by the highway, your both in the local farmer’s market, delivery service to restaurants and flower shops are all opportunities to meet your customers. Meeting your customers can help you improve your product as well as benefit from the satisfaction of knowing that your hand work is appreciated.
How much should I charge ?
It depends on what you’re selling. Prices for your products will depend on local market conditions (what are rutabagas going for in your area these days ?) and to whom you’re selling (your asking price will vary depending on whether you’re selling tomatoes to a vegetarian restaurant or at a roadside stand). Actually, you can learn how much to charge for your products by studying the marketplace and knowing your own costs to produce. A season of selling zucchini may tell you there’s not enough profit and that raising sunflowers will bring you a better income. Whatever you grow, watch what people buy, how much they pay and how you can best use your “farm”. Many truck farmers keep a thick spiral notebook of data, information and ideas to make the comparison easier.
How much will I make ?
So much depends on what you grow and the local market for that product. In general, a truck farm can expect $10,000 to $15,000 an acre depending on crop and number of seasons. Large greenhouses can bring in as much as $5,000 to $10,000 a year per greenhouse.
How can I get started ?
The best way to start your truck farm is small. Plant one or two crops and learn as much as you can about growing and marketing them. Once you’ve learned what you can profitably grow and sell locally, you can increase your planting and harvest.
If you are depending on the local soil (rather than greenhouse soil), contact the local extension office for soil testing and suggestions. You may find that your soil is better for one type of crop over another. Also ask for advice on the best way to use your land.
Also visit the local farmers’ market to see what’s already being sold and what isn’t. Talk with vendors. Many will be helpful even though you are a potential competitor.
From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
