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What about a new entrant such as me? Wouldn't a degree in something like agriculture, agriculture business, farm management, agroecology etc be useful in learning the theory side of things, before then learning the practical side?

Obviously I appreciate if you dont want to give exact figures, but approx how much did it cost you to get those 20 acres with the farmhouse? Did you need a large deposit?

I've just been reading through this old post, and it's been making me think. How do new entrants to farming, without a stack of money behind them, ever hope to own their own farm? If banks will only lend 60% max against the value of the farm, that seems like a massive deposit to have to put...

Doesnt sound like there's a massive profit to be made for most sheep farmers then, unless you're all running substantial numbers. How much are lambs selling for at the moment?

Could I jump in on this thread and ask approx you start up costs were and what your yearly cost per ewe is now you are more experienced?

Not sure of the etiquette towards bumping your own threads, but if anyone has any suggestions r.e. my previous post that would be very helpful!

Just as a follow up question, does anyone have any recommendations for books or resources on drystone walling and guides to livestock farming? I don't mind whether they're on the practicalities of constructing the walls, basics of animal husbandry, finance and business side of things etc.

I don't deny that it would be nice to go it alone and be self employed so you get to set your own rates, choose which jobs you want to take on, decide what days to work (aside from all the bad points) etc but I am realistic in the sense that I know I'd have to spend a good amount of time being...

I've always been reasonably academic so all through school I was encouraged to go down a more professional route, with the trades tending to be recommended to those who didn't do quite as well in exams. Farming was never even mentioned as an option. But I couldnt imagine spending the next 40-50...

Interesting. Any ideas on the start up costs to fencing and a rough time it takes to become 'good enough' to actually get people to pay you to do their fencing?

Believe me, I do want to JFDI but I cant leave my current job until spring/summer next year, so I'm using this time to get ahead and see what's out there. I 100% agree with your point regarding physical workers. I am sure there are many tradesmen, wallers, farmers, builders etc who could easily...

Late 20s. Have always done lots of exercise and like to stay active which would probably be a good starting point for the physical nature of the job. Would be happy to work for someone else for a while to learn the ropes.

Apologies if my first post wasnt too clear. With no farming experience there is no way in hell I would try and advise others what to do but if necessary I would be willing to gain the experience and qualifications to get me to that point.

Being outdoors doing physical work is what interests me the most. However, as I would like to work within the rural sector, I would not rule out a more advisory/office based role. Especially when it comes to providing for the family, I wouldnt want to go down a path that wouldnt allow me to have...

Everyone has to start somewhere

I'm West Midlands so I don't think there's a massive amount of drystone walling in the immediate local area, but nearby places like Shropshire, Peak District, Welsh borders, North Staffs may have more

Well that's good to hear as I find the art of stone walling fascinating. Although unfortunately I'm no George Clooney lookalike. Are there many start up costs for stone walling?

When you say forester do you mean someone that practices the hands-on management of the trees or is it a more office based role?

So do the environmental advisors normally come from a professional background or are they experienced farmers? Is their job useful and provide a positive impact to the client, or is it just pen-pushing for the sake of it?

Hello, I posted on here before asking about drystone walling as a potential profession to go alongside farming, and I got some really informative responses. Would anyone be able to give me some more advice on other jobs that are related/allied to farming that would be interesting and would...