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Is it still possible to make a small farm successful in modern day USA?

I'm thinking of something along the lines of a vineyard, berry farm, or fruit orchard, something that fills a niche market. I'd also raise chickens, but mainly for the eggs and just for the family. The main goal is to work for myself, not someone else. Is something like this still possible in modern day America?

Public Comments

1. Yes, there's plenty of people around here (SC) that do that.
2. I am sure it is...would depend on location greatly Good Luck! it is nice to see there is still an American dream
3. Working for yourself is a laudable aspiration, but you also mention the requirement for a niche market and I think that's absolutely crucial if your enterprise is to turn a profit. I understand there are independent farmers who cater to, for example, high-end restaurants whose chefs demand (and pay very well for) the best of organic produce, meat, eggs, and dairy products. You need to do your homework on this; good luck.
4. yes, you are on the right track....Specialize in organic or other niche areas. Look at fish or shrimp farming due to the over-fishing of the oceans. Avoid chickens for now, with Avian flu yet to come and there's a lot of competition in wine grapes currently. There is even a porn star making wine! as well as the CEO of Cypress Semi. Also, look into operating an Ethanol still. seriously, when gasoline goes to $3.50@gallon this summer driving season, you can sell your .59 cents a gallon to make Ethanol for an almost $3.00 a gallon profit!
5. Honestly, no. People these days will not pay more than the amount of money they pay usually to get eggs they could get at their local supermarket. But if you're going to start a berry farm or fruit orchard, and you advertise a LOT and in the right way, you may get a lot of customers, as long as your prices aren't too high. As I said, people would rather not pay more than they already do on products they could get for a lower price someplace else. So once you have it going, you could possibly make money, but for the first couple of years, you'r going to have to wait for those plants to grow. With fruit trees, it takes a few years to get it growing big enough to hold the fruit, and with berry plants, it takes about two years, generally, for the plant to be ready to produce. If you're not allergic to bees, I would suggest trying to become a beekeeper. You can get honey in the first year and sell it. Just make sure you're doing it how you should be. People will pay good money for honey and the pollen can be used to fight off allergies to flowers and plants or whatever in very small doses.
6. ABSOLUTELY. Here's a farmer who's doing something very different and being very successful at it (plus, he writes all about how to do it yourself). Joel Salatin is a third generation farmer. He has authored a number of books, including: "Pastured Poultry Profits: Net $25,000 in 6 Months on 20 Acres", "Salad Bar Beef", "You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Succeeding in a Farming Enterprise", and "Family Friendly Farming: A Multi-Generational Home-Based Business Testament". See the links below to learn more.