"Different" ideas

beefyapmyrddin · Oct 14, 2017

Hi all,
New to this forum. Looking at ideas for diversifying at home. Done some very basic nosing around on free range hens, B&B, shepherd huts/pods, event catering etc

Just wondering what "different" or off the wall ideas people have come across in recent times? Something you maybe thought would never work which has, or maybe something simple that when you saw it you though "how come I never thought of that"

Just as a bit of a background father has retired from dairying, we have 230 acres in two blocks, buildings are way past their best. Some traditional stone buildings on both units. I keep 20-30 pedigree Texel ewes. Also I'm one of four boys, so need to have one eye on succession too.

Look forward to hearing some different thoughts.

7610 super q · Oct 14, 2017

Location, location, location.

If you're near population, the world is your oyster.
Farm shops, PYO, shed storage, container storage mini golf, paintballing.......

If you live in the back of beyond, you're f**ked.

beefyapmyrddin · Oct 14, 2017

7610 super q said:
Location, location, location.

If you're near population, the world is your oyster.
Farm shops, PYO, shed storage, container storage mini golf, paintballing.......

If you live in the back of beyond, you're fudgeed.

Should have mentioned above, we are near Carmarthen, West Wales. Population of only 14k but close to the A40 on the end of the M4.
So not the greatest population around here but roads are gridlocked around the outskirts in peak holiday time with people travelling further west to Pembrokeshire.

Glass half full · Oct 14, 2017

living in remote locations is not the end of the world, with the internet the whole world is your back door. you just need to develop a product that people will travel for or can be shipped to them!

beefyapmyrddin · Oct 14, 2017

Quite. That's why I was asking if anyone has seen anything different or unusual being done.

Slippery Slope · Oct 14, 2017

Once visited a farm that had developed a small golf driving range. Simple really, longish field next to road all be it in the middle of nowhere. Dozen AstroTurf squares under a shelter to smash balls from and a few distance markers down the length. Little ball dispenser machine at x£ per x balls. Big sign saying open from dawn till dusk 365 days a year. Made a small fortune and grazed field by night with his sheep. Picked up balls every now and then with a caged mini tractor and a special attachment.

People seemed to come from miles away just for the peace and quiet. Simple idea with minimal hassle and no mega investment needed! - Your welcome!!

Glass half full · Oct 15, 2017

golf driving ranges are not that straight forward, i spent a long time looking into it, you need 100k people within a ten minute drive, its a good business if you can get planning permission and have the site!

this is one of my diversifications www.thefirepitcompany.co.uk

Pilgrimmick · Oct 15, 2017

Glass half full said:
golf driving ranges are not that straight forward, i spent a long time looking into it, you need 100k people within a ten minute drive, its a good business if you can get planning permission and have the site!

this is one of my diversifications www.thefirepitcompany.co.uk

So that is you? I have admired your work for some time, on my ‘once I win the lottery’ list. Some fantastic products there!

What is the TFF discount? 50%?

Nearly · Oct 15, 2017

Pilgrimmick said:
So that is you? I have admired your work for some time, on my ‘once I win the lottery’ list. Some fantastic products there!

What is the TFF discount? 5%?

Glass half full · Oct 15, 2017

thank you! there are a few people on TFF who have my work in there gardens! you are free to ask for a discount.. lol!

Slippery Slope · Oct 15, 2017

Glass half full said:
golf driving ranges are not that straight forward, i spent a long time looking into it, you need 100k people within a ten minute drive, its a good business if you can get planning permission and have the site!

this is one of my diversifications www.thefirepitcompany.co.uk

Guess it depends a bit on if OP is hoping to make his first million or just add an extra income stream on the side. What other diversifications do you have out of interest?

Doing it for the kids · Oct 19, 2017

beefyapmyrddin said:
Hi all,
New to this forum. Looking at ideas for diversifying at home. Done some very basic nosing around on free range hens, B&B, shepherd huts/pods, event catering etc

Just wondering what "different" or off the wall ideas people have come across in recent times? Something you maybe thought would never work which has, or maybe something simple that when you saw it you though "how come I never thought of that"

Just as a bit of a background father has retired from dairying, we have 230 acres in two blocks, buildings are way past their best. Some traditional stone buildings on both units. I keep 20-30 pedigree Texel ewes. Also I'm one of four boys, so need to have one eye on succession too.

Look forward to hearing some different thoughts.

I know your area quite well and spent all my holidays there as a kid.

Guessing your at the botanical gardens end of Carmarthen?

Have you looked at a folly farm concept? They have taken it the extreme but they started somewhere!

beefyapmyrddin · Oct 19, 2017

Doing it for the kids said:
I know your area quite well and spent all my holidays there as a kid.

Guessing your at the botanical gardens end of Carmarthen?

Have you looked at a folly farm concept? They have taken it the extreme but they started somewhere!

Not far from the botanic Gardens at all. We are halfway between Carmarthen and Llandeilo. A folly farm type of place on a much smaller scale has crossed my mind.

Thought of opening a caravan park, possibly with a shepherds hut or two and doing “lambing holidays” too.

Doing it for the kids · Oct 19, 2017

Well I'll be there when you do something!

There isn't much do in that area, I'd be tempted to start with soft play and go from there. The locals don't like spending much so it has to be good value

Kevtherev · Oct 19, 2017

@Blod

Will Wilson · Oct 20, 2017

Anything involving retired people in their early 60's as they are the only ones with any money.

Something to do with bicycles? Dog agility courses? Endurance marathons?

Blod · Oct 20, 2017

Have a look at this and get in touch if it appeals.
https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/agrisgôp

7610 super q · Oct 20, 2017

Doing it for the kids said:
I know your area quite well and spent all my holidays there as a kid.

Guessing your at the botanical gardens end of Carmarthen?

Have you looked at a folly farm concept? They have taken it the extreme but they started somewhere!

They started with just a galvanized gantry over the milking parlour, so folks could pay to watch cows being milked......

Had a fleet of Ford 6600's back in the day too.

But I digress....

Doing it for the kids · Oct 20, 2017

7610 super q said:
They started with just a galvanized gantry over the milking parlour, so folks could pay to watch cows being milked......

Had a fleet of Ford 6600's back in the day too.

But I digress....

Everyone starts somewhere, it's a great set up I feel, done very well and reasonably priced. We go every year.

Their hot chocolate machines are bloody awful though!

Doing it for the kids · Oct 20, 2017

7610 super q said:
They started with just a galvanized gantry over the milking parlour, so folks could pay to watch cows being milked......

Had a fleet of Ford 6600's back in the day too.

But I digress....

When did they start?

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