The Profitable Hobby Farm: How to Build a Sustainable Local Foods Business

by Sarah Beth Aubrey

Turn your hobby farm into a successful business No experience in farming? No problem! The Profitable Hobby Farm gives you all the tools you need to launch a thriving hobby farm business. Based on the author's expert guidance and the motivating experiences of other small farmers, it shows you how to blend strategy, marketing, and money management in order to prosper. The Profitable Hobby Farm provides sound, friendly start-up advice on a variety of topics essential to making an initial foray into a local foods venture.

Genres: Gardening, Food, Nonfiction, Sustainability, Business, Agriculture, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Sarah Beth Aubrey is a sought-after advisor and executive coach for global agriculture brands. She has written six books, writes a monthly magazine column for major ag media, and runs custom peer group programs for businesses looking to partner with their most valuable customers in a unique way.

Her mission is to enhance success and profitability in rural communities by building capacity in its people, and each of her books speaks to her lifelong experience in ag and farming from generations before her, her college degrees, and as a successful three-time entrepreneur.

Aubrey’s four non-fiction agricultural books address some of the common difficulties faced by current and future farmers: Find Grant Funding Now, The Profitable Hobby Farm, Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business, and the most recent publication, Who's Running Your Farm Next?: 5 Steps to Develop and Coach Your Next Generation.

Her two-book romance fiction series, Championship Drive, centers on livestock showing and the challenging dynamics of inheriting a family-run farm.

Sarah Beth Aubrey and her husband raise cattle on their farm in Central Indiana.

Website: http://www.sarahbethaubrey.com

Agriculture
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahaubrey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbethau...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SarahBethAub...
Facebook group for agriculture: www.facebook.com/groups/farmnext

Championship Drive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/championship...
Instagram: @championshipdrivenovel

Reviews

[Sophia]

Had to read this for a class. Would recommend if you are indeed looking to become a profitable hobby farmer

[Cassi Haggard]

This falls into the category of "really random things I read" but actually I liked it. Sometimes I'm tempted by the farm lifestyle. After reading the book I am still tempted to move that direction someday but for now I haven't found a niche that is calling to me. (Well I really like my backyard tea but I've never dried it so I don't even know if it's good that way).

It's interesting to think about your food and where it comes from. I enjoy the local foods. Unfortunately I work most Saturdays and the few I have off I rarely wake up in time for the Farmer's Market. But there's something that's so natural and healthy about growing at least some of your own food.

This book profiled a couple of "Kentucky Proud" products. I've bought quite a few Kentucky Proud items and have never been dissatisfied.

I think some of the lessons about marketing and customer retention could translate into almost any profession.

[Richard]

Interesting little book I picked up at a flea market for $3, and have enjoyed greatly. Having recently purchased a few acres of land, the book has set us dreaming on what we can turn it into.

[Stacey Martin]

Such a hard boring read. I know good intentions however certainly not interesting.

[Carrie]

Well written and informational for someone in the beginning stages of farm living and/or farm income. I found most of the information valuable, relatable and even included some humor in there.

[Jessica]

This book takes itself seriously. It was like sitting in on an incredibly entertaining crash course for how to actually make a small farm business work. Lots of good leads for further information, too.

I enjoyed that each section featured someone's situation that could help flesh out the concepts being covered.

Super book.

[Jennifer]

Although I find it difficult to really read anything in-depth onscreen, this ebook was packed with solid info. Maybe I was just especially motivated to soldier through despite continually losing my place on the screen, because this is a topic dear to my heart...

[LeeFrances]

This book contained exactly the information I've been looking for about starting a farm. It gave advice, resources, and personal accounts that made me feel good. I skipped pages 124 to 222 because they were about selling and marketing, a step which I am extremely far from right now.

[Amanda Stabenow]

Really great book, easy to read and loaded with useful information. I really enjoyed how the author went out of her way to include actual working farms as examples. Overall very enjoyable, this is one of those books I'll use when I am ready to make my hobby farm profitable.

[Michelle]

Great basic information for making your small acreage start paying for itself. Broad spectrum of ideas and information.

[Amy R]

Very informative, but at the end of the day, you'll still need to acquaint yourself with your local laws and ordinances.

[Kim]

Great book for any farmer to read! wish I owned this one for reference.

[Clement Ongera]

Having read the book I'm considering planting flowers and see where this goes.

[York Bennett]

still reading, very informational, especially concerning the marketing side of agriculture