Let’s talk about the pros and cons of buying a working farm versus starting from scratch: You have to check the availability. You may have difficulty finding a working farm to purchase, but with rural land, you will need to make sure it’s zoned for farming and the terrain is appropriate. Cost is a big factor. A working farm may cost you more upfront, but it’s already a running business to some degree. Determine the time you need to break even or make a profit. A farm that’s running may be a lot closer to making a profit than a farm you must start from scratch. Size up your ability to “grow” in farming knowledge. If you start from scratch, you can build your farm slowly as your knowledge grows. A farm that’s established can be a big risk if you get in over your head.