My Indiana FarmThe Basics of Starting a Farm

Starting a FarmI recently decided that I wanted to learn more about farming corn. I researched machines I will need, the corn I will use, and the land I will buy.

Here is a summary of the things I learned on each subject. If you have any more questions about farming, you can ask me or do some research of your own! Enjoy!

Equipment Information•I will need a total of 8 machines to farm my corn.•Most of them I will buy, but I can rent them if I need to at first.•I can look in the local paper and talk to friends to find the best prices for my machines.

Machines I NeedListed in the order used through the season

•Tractor•Used to pull the equipment

•Moldboard Plow•Turns up the ground

Machines I Need

•Harrow•Breaks up plowed land

•Planter•Plants corn seeds

Machines I Need

•Crop Sprayer•Kills weeds and pests

•Combine•Shells and husks corn

Machines I Need

•Corn Head•Picks the corn

•Wagon•Fill with harvested grain

Choosing a Crop•I want to have a 100 acre farm and grow corn on it.•People can buy corn to plant from the local grain elevator.•I’ll need to buy 45 bagsof seed to plant 36,000seeds per acre.•I should get a harvest yieldof about 150 bushels/acre.•The current price for cornis 352 cents/bushel.

Buying Land•The soil in this county is mainly Crosby-Brookston association, which is somewhat poorly drained, nearly level, and silty clay loam soil—which is good for growing corn.•About 100 acres of land earn a profit in corn.

•In the last year, agricultural land sold for an average of $6,066/acre here.•I can ask realtors, consult soil maps, and ask family and friends if the land I buy is a good choice.

My Future FarmMaybe one day I will be able to have a farm of my own growing corn. However until then, I am glad that I know more about all of the farmers and farms around me. When I drive by a cornfield, I’ll have a much better idea of what it takes for them to grow those beautiful golden ears!