Farming 101: The Best Tools to Get You Started

 Farming 101: The Best Tools to Get You Started

Farm machines harvesting corn in Midwest, September, aerial view.

So you’ve signed the papers.

Welcome to your new tract of land, homestead, or hobby farm. 

Now the burning question remains: what tools do you need to actually start farming the land?

Here’s your farming 101 guide. It’s all the machinery, prices, and basics broken down so you can actually roll up your sleeves and get some dirt under your nails.

Identify your farm type and needs

It’s no surprise that a vineyard will require vastly different tools and machinery from a wheat farmer. Different crops demand different tools. So before we dive into exactly what tools you’ll need it’s good to take a minute to hone in on exactly what your operations will look like. 

Because ultimately, your farming equipment is there to save you time and money on bigger jobs that require heavy lifting, transport, or fulfilling specific needs like seeding, spraying, or harvesting. That’s why it is really important you invest in the right tools that you know will leave you better off down the line. 

Look carefully at your budget 

Farming tools are never a one-off buy. You’ll need to take a thorough look at what amount of money you’re prepared to spend, plus the ongoing maintenance and servicing costs that will (inevitably) come to bite down the track. As an investment, you’ll want to make sure you can sustain it over the long term. 

If you’re just starting out, you may want to look at second-hand options to minimise initial costs, but be aware of dodgy products that might end up costing more than you anticipated. 

Buy yourself a tractor 

New: $10,000 – $250,000

Used: $3,000 – $80,000

Some tools are just necessities. And a tractor is one of them. They’re the staple workhorse on any farm, even the small ones.

But a tractor on its own is like an archer wielding a bow without any arrows; you need the right attachments to actually make proper use of it around your farm. 

Tractors and their many attachments perform a range of tasks of farms from hauling around supplies, cultivating, seeding, and harvesting the fields – and also more menial jobs like helping out on construction sites, unloading a truck, or even personal transportation. 

Some worthwhile attachments 

Once you’ve landed a tractor, you’ll want to secure all the right attachments for your farming operation. Here are some of the most common attachments to consider adding to your repertoire: 

  • Tillage equipment 

Tillage equipment aims to loosen the topsoil, cut through and disturb weeds, and prepare a field for planting.

  • Disc Harrow

A disc harrow, also known as a power harrow, also works to disturb the topsoil, but on a deeper level than other tillage equipment due to its heavier design. 

  • Seeders and Drills

Once the soil is ready for planting, it’s up to the seeders and drillers to actually make the holes and get the seeds into them. This is a very important part of the farming process as it determines the quality of the harvest. 

  • Spraying equipment 

Keeping crops healthy throughout the year is essential, and spraying equipment is going to help you do exactly that. From spraying vital fertilisers to herbicides to keep away harmful weeds and insects, these pieces of equipment are an essential part of any farmer’s fleet. 

  • Harvesters

Arguably one of the most expensive pieces of farming equipment, the combine harvester is essential for harvesting grains and other crops when they’re ready. 

  • Rotary cutters 

Used for clearing large areas of tall grass and weeds, rotary cutters are an essential part of faring operations – especially if you’re in control of large fields. 

  • Post hole diggers 

This attachment is useful for farmers in charge of larger tracts of land that require re-fencing. Other common uses include signpost installation and tree planting. 

Get an RTV or ATV

New: $10,000 – $30,000

Used: $5,000 – $10,000

Farms are large places and getting around with your daily car is neither safe nor possible at times. You’ll most likely need an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) or an RTV (Rough Terrain Vehicle) to get from A to B. Choosing the right engine and features will depend on how you’re going to use it. 

Higher horsepower will translate into better towing capacity, and if you’re planning on taking it through some rough patches on your property – you can rely on their comfort and durability to get you basically anywhere you need to go. 

Invest in a skid steer

New: $30,000 – $80,000

Used: $15,000 – $30,000

Farming requires a lot of maintenance and construction work. From laying down foundations for a new silo, shed, or office, to maintaining your tracks and dams, a mini skid steer can change the way you do maintenance on your property. 

Final thoughts 

Getting a farm set up can and will be hard. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. Getting the right machinery (at the right price) can be a daunting task – especially if you’re new to the industry. 

So, whether you’re after a brand new tractor, or searching for Kubota skid steers for sale, get in contact with your local dealer today and arrange a test drive. 

Ferina Jenny