Niche Markets and Small Farming are Types of Farming Viable to New Farmers

Incorporating more creativity into her niche product, Burns installed beehives adjacent the lavender field and also sells lavender honey.

Burns says lavender is the best choice for her and believes it would be a suitable niche product in any nonconventional farming space. “You could grow lavender in pots or on a terrace,” she says. 

What to look for

Lanier recommends that farmers consider the needs of their immediate local areas before embarking on a niche project. Focusing on your market means you can find local buyers who are looking for quality and are willing to pay for it. This will help make your farm and niche economically sustainable.

While Rob Hogan’s proximity to the city limits requires creativity as he deals with development encroaching on all four sides of his property, the existence on the urban fringes is a challenge that is also a great opportunity.

“I’m still farming my family’s land, and one day, my sons may choose to do the same,” Hogan says.

Today’s farming, as census data suggests, is an ever-evolving concept that transcends age, background, gender and experience.

Burns says that choosing farming as a later-in-life career has been both rewarding and enriching. “I’ve had many opportunities and done a lot of things that I genuinely enjoyed,” she says. “Farming has given me such a fulfilling experience, and I hope to do this as long as I can.”