What Are 12 Must-Have Hobby Farm Equipment and Tools?
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One of the most essential aspects of running a hobby farm is having the right equipment. Gone are the days of mule-drawn plows and hand tools. Technological innovations have paved the way for increased production, more straightforward tasks and greater efficiency. Here are 12 hobby farm equipment you absolutely need to make the most of your agricultural venture.
1. Compact Utility Tractor
The standout feature of compact tractors is their smaller size, making them ideal for hobby farms’ usually limited spaces. They’re great for simplifying labor-intensive farm tasks, including landscaping, mining, mowing, gardening and heavy lifting.
These tractors also provide more versatility than a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) or truck, allowing you to attach category 1 three-point hitches or other relevant implements like box blades, scrapers and mulch finishers.
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2. Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor is bigger than the conventional riding mower but won’t dig too deep into the turf like a compact utility tractor, which is why they’re handy on hobby farms. They come with a heavy-duty rear mounting system, which lets you attach essential equipment like rotary tillers, lawn rollers or utility carts.
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3. Soil Blockers
This amazing hand-held tool eliminates the need for tray inserts for starting seeds on your hobby farm. Soil blocks are essential for growing sturdy transplants and minimizing the various stresses that can occur when the plant is moved from one location to another.
The tool also makes transplanting more efficient by allowing you to plant more than one seed in each soil block.
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4. Six-Row Seeders
Agricultural seeders are a type of planting machine that helps place the seeds at precise depths by maintaining the desired spacing and inter-row distance. As the name implies, a six-row seeder lets you plant across six rows at a time, saving you time and improving accuracy.
This essential hobby farm equipment is excellent for small crops like carrots, radishes and turnips. Some seeders can also fertilize simultaneously during planting, eliminating the need for manual work.
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5. Manure Spreaders
If you raise animals on your hobby farm, you definitely need a manure spreader. This device hooks up to your tractor to distribute the dung on your field evenly. The beaters at the back of the machine spin slowly as the manure drops, applying the muck uniformly and consistently.
Depending on the crops cultivated, you’ll need a spreader that can apply the droppings, move them across the soil surface or inject them below for direct feeding to the undersoil.
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6. Composting System
Every farm needs a compost system to control the biological decomposition of organic matter. Composting is a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial fertilizers. You can make your own organic waste system or purchase one at any hardware store.
Simply throw all your biodegradable items into the box, and soon enough, you’ll have an ongoing source of nutritious plant food. In addition to supporting plants’ roots, compost can help prevent erosion and improve nutrient absorption.
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7. Flame Weeder
Have trouble dealing with weeds on your hobby farm? Flame weeding could be the perfect solution. The process entails briefly passing a flame over unwanted plants to heat the tissues just enough to kill them.
Because of the high temperatures, weeds only need a 1/10 second exposure, so pass the fire over the plant for only a short time. However, there’s a catch. While effective, the heat from the flame weeder can affect your other plants or flower beds, especially if they’re tightly spaced.
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8. Pest Prevention Supplies
Pests are a constant problem whether you’re running a hobby farm or a commercial agriculture operation. Before buying the prevention supplies, make sure you understand what types of vermin are causing problems on your farm.
Some essential pest prevention supplies include snares for rodents, fly traps for enclosed livestock shelters and insecticides to prevent infestations. Remember to read all the instructions and wear all necessary personal protective equipment before using any trap or pesticide.
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9. Solar Panels
Solar power systems offer a great way to save money on electricity and ensure your farming operations are at least somewhat sustainable. Utilizing clean renewable energy is also great for powering grow lights. Many farmers expose seedlings to secondary lights to provide the right color spectrum where the plant can grow and flourish.
The return on investment factor is enormous — generating your power has a 10% ROI and can save you an average of $125 per month on energy bills.
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10. Irrigation Systems
Your crops require a steady supply of water, and for that, you need a reliable irrigation system. From conventional sprinklers to advanced drip and pivot systems, these devices conserve water, lower running costs and help support sustainable crop production.
With the right irrigation infrastructure, you can keep your hobby farm running year-round, rotating plants as the seasons change.
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11. Livestock Supplies and Shelter
If you plan to raise livestock on your farm, there are a few essentials to set in place. First, make sure you thoroughly understand the needs of your animals. This will guide your decision-making on what equipment and tools to get. Generally, you’ll need an enclosed space to shelter the livestock safely. Feeders and storage bins are necessary to deliver food and water.
Consider adding a fence to help keep predators like coyotes, foxes and bears away. Remember to tailor the fence type to the animal. For example, wire netting works well for poultry, but cows will likely require sturdier fencing.
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12. Hand-Held Tools
Every farm needs a shed full of tools. Electric devices like power saws and drills can save you a lot of time and a ton of energy. More basic items like rakes, scythes, hoes, trowels, wheelbarrows and so on are important for managing daily operations.
If possible, invest in a tool belt as well. It’s always nice to have tools ready when building or repairing something on your farm.
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Explore Hobby Farm Equipment Essentials
In the expanding realm of hobby farming, several equipment and tools stand out as the most crucial for ensuring successful and productive operations. From compact tractors and manure spreaders to seeders and weeders — these tools empower you to maximize efficiency and sustainably produce bountiful yields.
With continuous technological advancements, the future promises even more innovative equipment to revolutionize the food production landscape further.
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About the author
Jane Marsh
Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.