Free time to do what?

[evolution]

For a variety of reasons, we will not be cropping our land this year (all spring crop due to poor back end of 2012); which means that I will have some spare time. With this I intend to take some time off (ie get a hobby), do some of the neglected jobs around the farm (re-roof shed, drainage etc), but I would like to take this opportunity to see if there was a business activity on or off the farm I could start to dabble in.
I am looking for something outside the usual suspects. We are not near any major population centres and, for this year at least, capital is committed to other projects. But I would like to take the opportunity to investigate and maybe start something small.
So, if you any wild ideas, please voice them. This is a blue sky, open mind, left field, rabbit's hoof, lavender oil kind of discussion. Maybe there was something that you wanted to look into, but the thought of it was too mad even to suggest. Let me act as the forum's guinea pig. If you can make a suggestion, I will see if there is any mileage in them and report back.
Let your inner boffin or frustrated entrepreneur speak out.

 

[joe soapy]

having spare time is very time consuming, by the time tilling time comes you wont have time to do the drilling

 

[dazza b]

Golf driving range with cafe?

 

[Clive]

Travel - can often be life changing

 

[JP1]

Don't start a forum, I couldn't stand the acrimony

 

[llamedos]

Small observatory, dark sky areas are becoming few and far between in England so english tourists would appreciate being able to go to a small observatory, and if they didnt you could appen get Dr May away from his new found interest.

 

[Andyrob]

evolution

spend time with family, do those things that farming never allowed you.

Im 27 and have made a lot of mistakes il admit and missed out on some occasions but never again.

 

[llamedos]

evolution

spend time with family, do those things that farming never allowed you.

Im 27 and have made a lot of mistakes il admit and missed out on some occasions but never again.

Doubt anyone will beat that answer

 

[evolution]

evolution

spend time with family, do those things that farming never allowed you.

Im 27 and have made a lot of mistakes il admit and missed out on some occasions but never again.

That's why I want to get a hobby. Having done more or less nothing but work for the last 12 years, I'm looking forward to having an easier time. But I will still need to be on the farm a lot of the time, so if I could find something to fill work time that is interesting enough to grab my attention, that would be a better use of my time and more rewarding (not just financially) that marinading on the internet.

 

[evolution]

Small observatory, dark sky areas are becoming few and far between in England so english tourists would appreciate being able to go to a small observatory, and if they didnt you could appen get Dr May away from his new found interest.

I like this idea. One problem - cloud.
The real money would come from farmers clubbing together to keep the ageing rock god north of the border. £5/day each seems fair. 500 - 1000 farmers, could be a nice little earner!!

 

[Andyrob]

That's why I want to get a hobby. Having done more or less nothing but work for the last 12 years, I'm looking forward to having an easier time. But I will still need to be on the farm a lot of the time, so if I could find something to fill work time that is interesting enough to grab my attention, that would be a better use of my time and more rewarding (not just financially) that marinading on the internet.

what are your interests?

My hobbies now are photography, computers, machinery sales (its a commission job but i enjoy seeing the country) cinena bowling kickboxing wrestling and hoping to try archery now

 

[le bon paysan]

That's why I want to get a hobby. Having done more or less nothing but work for the last 12 years, I'm looking forward to having an easier time. But I will still need to be on the farm a lot of the time, so if I could find something to fill work time that is interesting enough to grab my attention, that would be a better use of my time and more rewarding (not just financially) that marinading on the internet.

My wife has just started a Beekeeping course.

 

[Robigus]

Farming is great but it is all day every day, if you really are shutting up shop for a couple of months then I would travel while you can.

 

[Scholsey]

play golf, great social hobby and not overly expensive

 

[Rob Holmes]

I've fancied dabbling in Spread Betting but haven't got the bottle..... or money!

 

[rob1]

Do some voluntary work with somebody like shelter, bet you would never bemoan your lot ever again after doing that for a few months and realising just how lucky we all are. Its the constant thing I try to remind myself of

 

[chaffcutter]

If you're away from chimney pots you can't take money off the masses, so you need to think outside the box What fits in remote areas - perhaps noisy things like off roading, rally car test track like a special stage, maybe clay shooting when there' s nobody to annoy?

 

[fatman]

go barbel fishing

 

[chaffcutter]

Travel is first choice if you're spending it rather than earning it - seeing farming around the world is fascinating

 

[JNP]

Build a straw/mud house and then advertise it as a 'holiday' experience.

Dig a big allotment?