10/01/2026
will definitely make it......
I once posted the below;
As a first generation farmer in your family be kinder to yourself. You are doing way better than you think. You pulled up personal resources and made it or are making it. Some people you scale yourself up to are third or fourth generation farmers. They are not your level. Do not despair brother. You are really doing well. Fist bump πππ
And this was this comment;
Take a minute to read. One first generation farmer advised as follows
It is very true Thabong. I am also a first generation farmer. It is incredibly tough to make it in one generation in modern economic times. There are three advantages of established farmers: Establishment knowledge/experience; large economic base and established capital as collateral for credit/finance.
However, in order to make it as a 1st generation farmer you have to have two ducks in a row:
1. Make up for lack of experience with theoretical knowledge. Read night and day. You should read every possible local / international article about your field of interest. Ask neighboring successful farmers advice. People are surprisingly willing to share knowledge if you ask them.
2. Despite the size of your farming enterprise, do not compromise on precision, detail and bookkeeping. Keep to the principles of a successful commercial farm, despite its size. Do not regress into the thought process of a communial / subsistence farming system.
Example:
All input costs should be planned, budget for and written downοΏΌ. Capital gain and running expenses should be differentiated.
Maximum profit should be calculated. Profit margins must be measured.
The bookkeeping of 10 cows, is the same as for a 1000 cattle. Daily intake of lick should be calculated. Cost per head per day should be calculated.