It’s been four months since our initial discussion regarding our big move. We have lots of things we need to nut out, the number one thing being; how are we to make money. How are we going to spread our resources so that we get maximum benefit from minimal outlay?

Buying the farming equipment we are going to need will be expensive. It will be a significant upfront cost, which will include a tractor and all the fittings, and putting up shedding if there’s inadequate shedding in place. On the upside, once you have all the equipment you need, it will last you years and years, and you will eventually get your money back. There are also tax benefits which include claiming depreciation on equipment.

Our first thoughts are that we are going to have to work off farm for a bit.  This may mean that we each need a part time job in the nearby regional centre. We still haven’t chosen an area, but we agree that we need to be within 45 minutes of a big centre, at the absolute maximum. The land we choose will need to be suitable for cropping and grazing. We estimate that 200 acres would be the absolute minimum if we are going to earn an income from the land.