Why Living on a Farm is Still a Great Idea
Picture rolling green hills, fresh air filling your lungs with every breath, and the gentle melody of birds chirping in the distance. That’s the serene charm of farm life often portrayed in the movies. Living on a farm might seem like a step back in time in a world filled with bustling cities and hectic schedules. Yes, there is a lot of hard work involved and many elements affecting successful farming are out of your hands. But if you’re up to the challenge, it’s something worth considering! I want to discuss why living on a farm is still a great idea.
Since I was young, I’ve always felt like I’d like living on a farm. I like feeling independent and relish a self-reliant approach to life. Growing my own food in a garden and raising animals for food was a goal early on. I’m still involved in gardening and cherish the times we as a family raised some fruits and vegetables. Mark and I never have had the space, time, or energy for a full fledged farm. Now we’re in our 70’s we’re also past the time to make that dream come true.
I often think about how blessed we are to have those who specialize in agriculture and how farms, large and small, provide the healthy foods we eat. Here are some ideas to ponder when it comes to living on the farm.
1. Connection with Nature
Living on a farm means being surrounded by nature in all its glory. Instead of skyscrapers blocking your view, you’ll wake up to the sight of vast open fields and clear blue skies. You’ll witness the changing seasons firsthand, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the crisp snow of winter. It’s a constant reminder of the beauty, tranquility, and wonder of the natural world, something we often overlook in our fast-paced lives. 20 Reasons to Go Without a Phone in Today’s World
Yes, Mother Nature can throw you an unexpected curve or two. Whether it’s droughts like the West has experienced the past few years, or a severe storm that can beat down those growing plants, farm life is dynamic and changes all the time. It takes dedication and some creativity to make things work smoothly. Having a sense of optimism makes most days seem like sunny days on the farm.
2. Sustainable Living – Healthy Lifestyle
In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever. And what better way to live sustainably than on a farm? You’ll have the opportunity to grow your food, and you won’t have to go to a grocery store all the time. Many smaller farms use eco-friendly practices such as composting and rainwater harvesting, reducing their environmental impact. Living on a farm allows you to live with nature and satisfy your own needs rather than negatively affecting it through a consumption-only lifestyle.
3. Peace and Quiet
If you’re tired of city life’s constant noise and chaos from things like sirens and vehicle traffic, a farm might be just what you need. Imagine trading honking horns for the gentle mooing of cows and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Farm families can enjoy the unique opportunity of peace and quiet with less traffic and crowds, allowing them to escape the hustle and bustle of modern society. It’s the perfect environment to relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
There may be fewer amenities like concert halls, fancy gyms, and shopping centers, but you can find fun things to do with the entire family at a swimming hole, rodeo, local farmer’s markets, and ball fields in close proximity.
4. Health Benefits
Farm life isn’t just good for the soul, it’s good for the body too. Studies have shown that living in rural areas is associated with lower levels of stress and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and obesity. Plus, the physical labor involved in farming provides a great workout, keeping you fit and healthy, as long as you’re cautious around the equipment and animals.
And let’s not forget about the fresh, nutritious food you’ll have at your fingertips that provides leafy greens from the plants and protein and calcium for the chickens and livestock. Living on a farm can significantly improve your overall health, from farm-fresh eggs to juicy tomatoes straight from the vine. 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Transform Eggs into Delicious Meals
5. Sense of Community
One of the most beautiful aspects of farm life is that it gives you a strong sense of community. Whether you’re helping a neighbor mend a fence or gathering for a communal meal, living on a farm brings residents together in a way that’s rare in today’s world. Although there may be lots of open space in a farming community, farmers work together and often form a co-op to get all the planting and harvesting done. This cooperative approach and special friendships limit the feelings of isolation felt by many urban dwellers.
Through this rural life, you’ll form deep, meaningful connections with your fellow farmers, creating a support network that extends far beyond your property lines. In a world that often feels increasingly isolated, the sense of belonging that comes with farm life is truly invaluable. Because they have so much in common through their farm life, farm kids can gain many friends and grow with confidence without all the social media pressures many youth feel these days. How to Connect with Like-Minded Emergency Preppers
6. Learning Opportunities
Living on a farm is a never-ending learning experience. Whether you’re mastering the art of beekeeping or learning how to shear sheep, there’s always something new to discover. You’ll undoubtedly gain valuable skills that can be passed down through generations, preserving traditional knowledge in an ever-changing world.
Plus, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the food you eat, knowing firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into its production. You’ll also learn to appreciate what goes into the meals you prepare since you were the ones who grew the plants and animals and all that goes with it. 21 Compelling Reasons You Need a Compost Pile in Your Life
Farms are now beta sites for things like wind turbines and solar panels. As our culture stresses a more environmental approach to life, learning how to put these technologies to work will pay dividends in the long run.
7. Freedom
Lastly, living on a farm offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. Instead of being tied down by the constraints of city life, you’ll have the freedom to live life on your terms. Chores on a farm may seem endless, but the self-directed activities on the farm can also provide endless options for how your day is spent without supervision from others.
Want to sleep in and watch the sunrise from your front porch? Go for it. Do you feel like spending the day exploring the countryside on horseback? The possibilities are endless based on your own goals and preferences. Living on a farm allows you to embrace a more straightforward, more authentic way of life. I think it sounds incredible, and if I could redo it all over again, you would better believe I’d be living on a farm! How to Be Tougher Mentally As a Prepper
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Final Word
Living on a farm is not just a good idea but a great one. From connecting with nature to building a strong sense of community, the benefits of farm life are undeniable. So, why wait? Trade in the concrete jungle for the rolling hills of the countryside and experience the joy and fulfillment of living on a farm. Trust me, you won’t regret it. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Gardening with Purple Colors Depositphotos_3548732_S By Alexeys,
I was mostly raised on farms and ranches so I agree with most of your post, but sleeping in was never an option. Cows had to be milked, chickens fed, pigs and horses too if you had them. The morning air was often filled with the odor of fresh manure. Peace and quiet is a relative term. All farm and ranch animals can be noisy, from roosters crowing to horses neighing, and tractors aren’t exactly quiet either. And farm/ranch work was, and is, a seven day a week occupation. In addition, in our elder years, the main disadvantage to living on a farm is lack of speedy access to healthcare (hospitals, doctors and the like). That said, I loved that farm/ranch life and if Jane and I weren’t in our 70’s we’d still be at it.
Hi Ray, and if Mark and I were younger we would buy a farm next you and Janes! You nailed it on its a 7 day a week job. I have never lived the experience but I have friends with mini farms and it takes a team of family members and or friends to help one another. Having a neighbor watch out for your animals is a blessing. Other animals are known to visit, and prey on your chickens or whatever. Mark was never interested in living on a farm but it was always my dream. A mini farm, not full fledged farm. Now I can almost hear the roosters crowing! LOL! You had and still have a good life! Linda
We don’t exactly live on a farm, but we have a few acres, and usually have a garden, as well as cut our own wood for heat. Farming is great, if you can afford to do it. The family farm is not exactly lucrative. Most farmers around here have full time jobs also.
Hi Janet, the farmers you live by have full time jobs? WOW!! I had no idea about this! I have heard that it’s expensive to maintain and feed your livestock. Having a few acres is awesome Janet, and the fact that you can cut your wood to heat your home. Gardening is a bonus, to grow your own food. Thank you for the insight as to the farmers needing a full time job. Linda
I grew up on a ranch; all the livestock, horses, a huge garden … and work, work, work. Even as a kid, I realized how much work it all entails. Yes, you reap the benefits but you “pay” dearly for it all. You have to treat it like a business and work HARD at it. It’s definitely not romanticized like in books and movies. I certainly had my good times, too. Now, as an adult, I look back and while I wouldn’t trade my childhood of growing up on that ranch, I realize what it takes and admire all those farmers and ranchers like nobody’s business! In my head is Paul Harvey’s “God Made a Farmer” playing! LOL
Hi Robbie, looking back you really did have to work, work, work! But you learned a lot of skills and especially how to work. Now, I need to Google that song! Love it, Linda
HI Robbie, here is the talk by Paul Harvey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRDaPEaDJ7E
THANK YOU!! Linda
As already pointed out, farming isn’t always Shangri-La–you get back w( hat you’re willing to put in! That said… Is it any noisier than suburban lawnmowers, city traffic, etc.? Or smellier than traffic or urban filth? (I find city smell unbearable, myself!)
“Farming” can be micro, though. A garden can be part, along with perennials, shrubs, and trees that provide food; chickens are about the easiest livestock to include (and relatively undemanding as to schedule, for those who want an occasional lie-in!)
Look for books like Joel Salatin’s “Polyface Micro” (how to use his farming methods on a small, homestead scale) or the many books on permaculture and micro-farming. They’ll help anyone starting out, or only able (through space limitations, age, or other responsibilities) to do a little. Find other like-minded folks nearby–maybe instead of each trying to everything, each individual can “specialize” and trade what’s produced, while everyone can be prepared to help with the big jobs (like haying, large-scale canning, or processing broilers).
Hi Rhonda, I love going for rides and looking at rows and rows of corn growing or cows grazing in the field. Based on my small 1/2 acre of gardening with my girls its work but I was teaching them skills for life. They learned to can every fruit, juice grapes, and pressure green beans for the year. Interesting not one of my girls took up canning or dehydrating. Maybe I worked them too hard! LOL! Oh well, life was good talking to each other as we snapped green beans or picked strawberries. No pesticides, or I guess back then it was organic before I knew it was organic. I have a lot of respect for Joel Salatin, I really like him and his sound commonsense! Linda
I live on about a quarter of a acre and I love it. When the pandemic was going
on and they told us to stay home and inside I was like, sure. I have this room and
my neighbors on both sides have a nice size yard between us. I went outside when I
wanted for as long as I wanted.
I grew up on 5 acres and loved it. We had a big garden and a pond so it
was nice. We also had chickens and every now and then a calf to fatten for meat
for the freezer. I feel sorry for people who never get a chance to live like this or atleast
visit the country or a farm.
HI June, Oh I would have loved to live on a small farm. 5 acres sounds wonderful, and you had chickens and calf to fatten up for meat to feed your family. What a blessing to have learned those experiences. I learned to garden and preserve my bounty. But having a farm would have been a dream come true for me. Love how you lived June, Linda