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Darby grew up on his family’s seventh generation farm located in Central Indiana, just 25 miles outside of Indianapolis. However he never learned anything about the family business. He began his own farming enterprise in 2007 after reading “Pastured Poultry Profits” by Joel Salatin as well as several other sources of information pertaining to small scale pasture based meat production.

The operation produced 150 pastured broilers that first year that were quickly sold and generated a base of avid customers who were left clamoring for more. In 2008, the enterprise grew to 1,000 birds while pastured pork was also added, with the hogs all being spoken for thru successful marketing to the existing customer base.

By 2012, the farm was producing up to 3,000 pastured broilers, 125 turkeys, 60 hogs and 12 beef per year while using less than 20 total acres. The farm now financially supports Darby and his wife Brandy, along with their two young boys, Ethan and Zach.

Darby has transitioned himself from a successful mechanical engineer into a full time farmer and enjoys the many benefits that come with being self sufficient in ones livelihood. His success shows it is possible to build a business from scratch with little or no knowledge of what Joel Salatin affectionately calls “lunatic farming”.

Today, Darby spends his “extra” time teaching others how to pursue a rewarding and financially viable career in farming. His new project, along with business partner Diego Footer, is an A-Z online course for profitable farming called “Farm Business Essentials” (www.farmbusinessessentials.com).   The course covers everything from how to raise livestock, to marketing, business planning, contextual goals, infrastructure, equipment and more.

Resources for today’s show…

• Join the Members Brigade
• Join Our Forum
• The Year 147
• Walking To Freedom
• TSP Gear
• TspAz.com – Support TSP When You Shop Online
• The Granddaddy’s Gun Club
• Bullhead Fishing
• Aquatics and Aquaponics Playlist
• Biltong for Breakfast
• Grass Fed Life
• Farm Business Essentials
• The Voice – The Moody Blues

Sponsors of the Day

• Western Botanicals
• Self Reliance Magazine

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