In the current economic climate, diversifying your farming business has become even more crucial. That way, you have a backup source of income should one cash crop fail to yield or sell.

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to diversify your business and reduce the risks. 

A Store

Selling your produce to local people and other stores is a great way to make a regular income from multiple products. Finding a way to sell directly to consumers or to businesses allows you to scrap the middleman who takes a huge cut from your profit margin.

Storage Space

If you have fields that are unused, it can be worth investing in Steel Frame Farm Buildings that people can rent for storage. These spaces can be used to store products for other businesses, seasonal items, and machinery. You can even rent them out for events.

Pick-your-own (PYO)

The last few years have seen an increase in the number of people who want to have a day at a pick-your-own farm. They take their children, pay the basket and weight, and spend the day plucking and picking. A huge seasonal hit is pumpkin patches. You can double down on the pick-your-own price and have a small cafe with fresh goods and warm drinks for the visitors. 

Fruit & Veg Boxes

Although many supermarkets are now buying more ‘imperfect’ fruit and veg, there are always some that grow more wonky than others. To ensure your goods are fast moving, you can create fruit and veg boxes that are packed with delicious fresh goods and deliver them locally. 

People like to be able to have farm-to-table seasonal vegetables. Make it easy for them to buy from you with a set delivery day each month. 

Education 

Agriculture is an integral part of our world, and education in it matters. Many inner-city children grow up with little idea of the work that goes into growing an apple or raising a lamb. You can partner with local educational establishments and offer tours and talks to help children understand where their food comes from. 

Multiple income streams prevent businesses from ‘putting all their eggs in one basket”, effectively spreading out the risks.

With diversification often comes expansion; here are tips to get it right: 3 Factors to Consider When Expanding Your Business Premises.