I had debated with myself, if to post after viewing Ledgemere Farm's video, and decided not. Then after reading ShooterDon's comments, I decided to add my $0.02.
"Farming provides a great life, but it's hard way to make a living."
Factoring injury and death, it's also one of the most dangerous ways to make a living. Trying to do a 2 man job with just yourself, trying to do the job with the tools that you have, instead of the right tool, because you don't have it, and can't afford it, are accidents waiting to happen.
Age weighs on my mind, as well as my shoulders. I'm trying to make this formerly derelict farm as easy to maintain as I can imagine. I'm already well into my 70's, and hope I can finish my objectives before hitting 80.
As a lifelong business person, I ponder how this "job" can be so low paying.
1. We have not differentiated our product from that sold by mass producers.
2. We sell our product to a middle man, based too frequently on weight, or bushel, rather than selling to the end user.
3. We choose the work we do, based on our desires, not based on perception of the market for our capabilities. (much like teachers)
3. We can subsist with mediocre skills and little education. Those that develop the skills and education to apply those skills, IN THE SAME MARKET, compete against those that do not have skills and education, and who set a low bar