We’ve talked plenty about how to start your hobby farm in our original hobby farm insurance article.
Now we’d like to share some tips and advice on how to manage your hobby farm, especially in ways that help reduce your risk (which can help lower your cost of insurance and chances of submitting an insurance claim).
USE A WIND BREAK TO PROTECT YOUR CROPS
Strategically planting a row of trees to act as a wind break is not only a smart way to protect your home during the winter, it can also help protect your orchard from damaging or drying winds.
DISCOURAGE PESTS
As Farm Focus puts it, rats and mice can cause significant damage to your farm, and this includes hobby farms.
- Try and seal off any access points to your storage building to prevent them from getting in
- Routinely sweep floors, especially after grain spills, to limit the accidental bait they’re attracted to
- Use pest proof storage containers so they cannot chew their way into your material
NEVER STOP LEARNING
Whether you’re a newbie to hobby farming or a seasoned pro, there’s always something more to learn about and the more you know the safer and better off your hobby farm will be.
- Explore the ideas of solar power and vertical farming
- Subscribe to and read publications like Small Farm Canada
- Join local small farming groups in your near by community to share tips and ideas
MAINTAIN FARM EQUIPMENT
You don’t need to own a high end farm tractor to worry about farm equipment maintenance.
While your farm equipment insurance is there as a safety net, your first (and best) line of defense is prevention.
- Use fuel stabilizers for stored fuel
- Routinely lubricate machinery
- Use an engine block heater to help your equipment start easier, especially during our cold Ontario winters
- Store your equipment in a dry, secure building when not in use
ENJOY THE FARM LIFE
Running a small hobby farm should be fun, especially if it’s main purpose is not to generate an income.
- Set up a habitat that attracts fire flies (a dark area with tall grasses and logs that is free of chemicals and pesticides)
- Stop and smell the roses (and the freshly cut grass, the rising dough, lilacs and apply tree)
- Get a farm dog! Even if they don’t have a specific job, they help complete the farm life experience 🙂
- Never underestimate the importance of water, sunscreen and quality gloves and boots
We hope this information is helpful along your hobby farm journey.
If you’re interested in getting a quote for hobby farm insurance please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime! 🙂
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
