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If we had a choice, we would hire a permanent accountant. However, this comes at a cost. Having separate accounts helps farmers have a clear picture of their profit margins.

I used to think that poultry woke up with the slightest distraction. Later on, I realized that some are heavier sleepers than others. What happens when their sleep is disrupted? How do we ensure that they get quality sleep?

I would never opt for share farming. If there is some land not in use, it is better to lease it out. That makes pooling the less risky option for any farmer!

It is a noble initiative, and it is encouraging to hear that the local people participated. We hope to do the same here, and we hope to borrow a leaf once your project is complete.

It is good that you have narrowed it down to specific crops. Have you come across any agricultural extension offices around your locality? They may offer more information and point out what else you need to do. What are the licensing requirements?

A friend once told me that they find bookkeeping boring. Do you let someone handle this for you? One thing I have stuck to over the years is to separate farm transactions from personal transactions. I also use accounting software that I update regularly.

Sorghum farming is not very popular around where I stay. It is utilized in most ethanol plants and in processing livestock feed. I think that it is suitable for farmers with tracks of land.

What is the size of your land? If the soil's condition is excellent, you will have more row crop options. You need a diesel 4*4 tractor, rolling cultivator, under-cutter, and other equipment, depending on the size of the land.

The layout of the land should determine your choice of vehicle. For instance, a steep terrain will require something that will take you around the farm with ease. We currently use a 4-wheeler too, but a refurbished golf cart would be our second choice.

Lack of mineral nutrition in the soil can increase the cost of production and result in reduced crop yield and profitability. Does constant fertilizer use cause mineral depletion? Which is the best soil testing method, and what is the recommended frequency?

I would classify this as crop rotation. My understanding of diversified farming is where a farmer embarks on more than one type of farming. They can rear cattle, poultry, grow corn and mushrooms simultaneously.

Any farmer with an agricultural farm requires feed if they rear animals. If there was demand in your area, would you consider livestock feed production, and what are the risks involved?

Soil testing equips a farmer with useful information. How frequently should it be done? High-quality forages include small grains like wheat, ryegrass, cereal rye. White or red clover is also often used.

In most cases, people avoid some farming options based on hearsay. I agree with @RichZ that farming being risky, yet a farmer should not fear taking risks. Before embarking on a venture, you need to do sufficient research.

Diversification is one way in which farmers aim to boost their revenue. Engaging in one enterprise works for some. However, putting eggs in different baskets helps farmers to remain economically viable.

You have shared a ton of necessary information @RichZ. Watching birds makes me happy, so it must be a joy to feed them. Thank you for this guide, which I believe is a useful resource for anyone interested in birds!

I agree that adopting robotics just because everyone else is going in that direction would not be wise. It is an expensive venture that requires a farmer to have realistic and achievable expectations beforehand.

I've heard people say that a majority of farmers prefer to specialize in one type of farming. Others grow more than one crop or rear various animals. Who does diversified farming suit, and when is it best to start?

Countless websites have mushroomed in the recent past. A lot of what we read online may not be verified. When in doubt, I always countercheck with our local agricultural extension officer.

Group farming works well when farmers are deliberate about what they want to achieve. Farm management responsibilities need to be distributed well. What challenges do farmers face with this farming model?