Boutique farms and homesteads: is it the right lifestyle for you?

Grand Junction and its surrounding areas have plenty of opportunity to have a farm, hobby farm, or homestead and plenty of elbow room away from close neighbors. There are a lot of great things about living in Grand Junction, and in my opinion, this could be one of the major benefits of exploring the different types of real estate opportunities in the area. 

Grand Junction has a long history of agriculture. Large swaths of land and crops roll out over the valley giving plenty of great development for cattle, sheep, llamas, chickens and other livestock. Not to mention that there is a great deal of pride and love in the community for horses, trail riding and equestrian therapy.

As parcels of land have been divided into smaller acreage, the chance to have a private boutique-style farm has attracted many home owners (including myself) to the thought of working a little land, raising your own food, having farm fresh eggs and growing sustainable, organic produce. Owning boutique farms and homesteads is a lifestyle.

When I first moved to Grand Junction, I lived in a “normal” house on a little over a quarter acre of mowable, manicured yard. The neighborhood had detailed HOA rules, regulations, and no shortage of neighbors checking in to make sure that the yards were ship-shape. After about a year of living in this quiet, controlled setting, Oliver and I decided it was time to spread our little wings and seek out a more flexible lifestyle. 

Corn being watered as it grows through the summer

We began looking at houses that had a few acres of land, limited HOA, and irrigation water. Side note, ready my post about why irrigation water is a BIG DEAL in Grand Junction. 

Our real estate agent at the time was a wonderful woman with tons of experience, resources, and wisdom. After many months of hemming and hawing, we circled back around to a property that we had written off many months prior. 

She had some advice for me that I WISH I had listened to. She said when you buy a house with land, you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle. 

Grand Junction offers a great opportunity to develop boutique farms and homesteads along with sustainability. 

Enjoying a late season peach from our home orchard

This may seem very attractive, especially if you’re getting away from larger urban centers where this might not be available. But before you don your coveralls and roll up your sleeves, it’s important to consider a few things about this type of lifestyle to help determine if it’s right for you.

1. Farming and homesteading is a lifestyle– When you’re considering purchasing a property with a little (or a lot) or land, it’s worth considering that you’re not just buying a house. You’re buying a lifestyle. From Spring to Fall, working a plot of land and/or tending to livestock is like having another job. There’s early season tasks to do to ensure a successful growing season. There’s tending through the summer months, and then no shortage of work to ensure your harvest is picked, processed, and stored for the winter.
2. Equipment– Oliver says that there’s a right tool for every job. I never appreciated that until I became a small acreage farmer. My advice, get a tractor as soon as you can. It can do so many things that a little human can’t. Western Implement tends to offer a 0% APR 5 year loan on tractors! It’s a great way to get behind the wheel of a slow-moving, strong-working, farm-necessary Kubota tractor. Check them out. https://www.westernimplement.com 
3. Weeds– No, not weed (although we are Colorado). Giant kosha, goat heads, bind weed and so many more take lots of tending and time during the growing season. My free moments during the growing season are spent cursing at weeds as I sweat through the back breaking work of pulling them. It’s worth it, but it’s hard work.
4. Pests– Between insects, birds, deer, and other things that like to get into crops, preventative pest control can be critical to your farming success. Organic farming and more holistic approaches are certainly desirable. There are lots of resources locally to help you design a strategy that aligns best with your farm, crops and philosophies.
5. Harvesting– Having the manpower and hours to harvest the way you want can be an important part of feeling good about your farm. The harvest usually feels like it comes on like a river approaching a waterfall. As you paddle towards it, you know it’s coming and you feel prepared. But, then it hits and you’re swamped with fruit and vegetables that need to be processed before they rot. Dry, can, freeze or pickle as soon as possible to ensure that your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Plowing the arena to help combat weed growth and level the ground

There is of course great benefit to having a sustainable farming lifestyle with your own food, eggs (if you want chickens), honey (bees anyone?), and plenty of sunshine while getting your hands dirty. 

For me, the bottom line is that you have to say no to other things if you want to say yes to a farming lifestyle. Sometimes, this is easier, and it’s a challenge. I would recommend taking some time to think about if this lifestyle is a good choice for you. It definitely has its benefits, and can be a fantastic way to tap into more holistic living. 

Ready to find out more about small boutique farms and homesteads in Grand Junction? 

Call or text me directly to see what’s out there.

Cheers,
Alanna 

Alanna Spees, REALTOR®
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