Full-Time pick-your-own farm with farm shop

Families, tourists, school groups and locals looking for fresh produce and an outdoor day out.

Pick-your-own sales by weight or container, entry fees for events, and shop sales of produce, preserves and drinks. Surplus crops can go to local markets.

• Farming and crop planning
• Managing seasonal staff
• Customer service and marketing
• Basic bookkeeping

• Council planning approval for visitors, parking, signage and any shop or cafe
• Food businesses selling prepared items usually need council registration, check your local rules
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire pickers or shop staff
• Water rights and costs, which vary by state, so check with your state water authority
• Public liability insurance and farm safety for children and large crowds
• Income swings with weather, crop failures and seasons

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on whether you lease or own, how many crops you grow and whether you add a farm gate shop or events. Get your own quotes before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on crops, season, weather and visitor numbers. Expect to work around 35 hours a week or more, and income can swing with crop failures and the seasons.

Check council planning approval for visitors, parking, signage and any shop or cafe. Also check food business registration for prepared items, workers compensation once you hire staff, water rights in your state, and public liability and farm safety for children and crowds.