what to do with just cleared land

[biggkidd]

Other than finish grade and clean up all the trash wood. I already broke one of the three point hitch arms catching a stump. Second time that one has been broken about two inches from the first place it broke. I would like to turn this into a productive area. I don't think the soil is good enough for regular crops, except in one center low laying area. I may turn that area into garden space. The guy I had in running a track loader left lots of stumps. Not real happy about that but dollar for dollar I think I got my monies worth. I figure there's 3 + acres there that had been clear cut four years ago.











Sorry about the picture quality they are from my phone. I didn't get any of the big rows of garbage stumps etc that needs to be burned.

Looking for ideas of uses for this land. The more the better. I would like to come up with an idea that would help bring in some long term income. I have one idea in the back of my mind but I'm not sure its a good one. The key here is minimal cash outlay and not a lot of upkeep. Of course raising animals is another possibility but not sure I am up for that.

[Rich Waugh]

Larry,

I understand some of the tobacco farmers in Va are getting out of tobacco and some are trying garbanzo beans (chickpeas) as an alternative due to the specialty food market for them. There are others crops too, you just have to find one that will work in that red clay soil and that you can find a market for. I'd seriously consider niche market crops like the garbanzos or certain herbs, or maybe even some of the plants used for making natural organic dyes - some of those can go for big bucks. I harvested a couple of bloodwood trees down here and I'm planning to chip them up and sell the chips to dye makers. The stuff was going for over twenty bucks a pound a couple years ago! Each (already dead) tree I harvested weighs probably 500#, so you can figure the money involved and all I have to do is chip it up and put an ad on Ebay. We'll see how it goes...

Anyway, that's the sort of thing I'd be looking for if I was in your place. You could maybe grow freshwater prawns in that pond of yours and they go for about eight bucks a pound. Medicinal herbs is another possibility - something that orientals will pay big bucks for. They've got the disposable income and the desire these days and I'm sure there's something they want that will grow on your land. Maybe talk to one of the people who runs an oriental herb shop in the area. I'd suggest the medical marijuana market, but until the stuff is legalized across the board there's still too much illicit money in it and therefore it's unsafe and unpredictable even if you have a legal operation.

[biggkidd]

Hi Rich,
Thanks for the ideas. But I don't have a pond. As far as orientals go very few of them around here. Chick peas might be worth looking into though. But to tell the truth I'm looking for something less labor intensive than seasonal crops. Don't even want to think of the hoops required for medicinal marijuana. Believe me I as I have MS I can see the need for this to be legal. But I think I'll wait and see. Something like that would also have huge theft issues way back in my sticks as local kids ride the area in trucks and ATVs all the time. With my luck.

[Rich Waugh]

Larry,

You might look into a perennial crop like ginseng root, truffles, asparagus, etc - depends on your water supply and ability to do the necessary soil amendments. Maybe look into some sort of tree fruit crop that is fairly quick maturing and has a high market price. You know, exotic varieties that command high prices form the niche market food outlets. I know there probably aren't any hoity-toity gourmet food stores right where you are, but there may be some within reach. If so, next time you're near one, go in and ask them what they buy locally that you might supply. I'd also suggest checking with your area USDA Extension Service agent to see what he/she might have to suggest. They're usually pretty damn helpful.

Here's a thought: Open a dig-it-yourself diamond or gold mine. Yeah, I know - it helps to have the diamonds or gold in the dirt...(grin) Have you really looked at your dirt to see if there's anything worthwhile in it? Mineral specimens, fossils, petrified wood, anything like that? Gotta think outside the box here...

[biggkidd]

A World Away!!!
2 miles from the grid and neighbors
South Central VA Since 2008

Rich good ideas all. At this moment I am thinking Christmas trees. Have sent for more info from the VA Christmas tree growers ass. and department of forestry. Not sure this is the best idea but worth looking into for some long term investments (8-10 years). Mostly sweat not to many $$$ for the return. My girls want to have animals this is a possibility but not sure I want to go this road as animals require day in day out care. Although the idea of a few goats to clean out some of the underbrush in the other space I want to clear next may be worthwhile. Thinking buy in early spring sell in late fall let them work (eat) all summer.

Keep throwing out ideas please. It really helps. Think I'll look into ginseng as that tends to grow wild here as well. Only on the north side of hills and of course this is a south facing slope.

Thanks it really does help bouncing ideas around.

[bradblazer]

White asparagus?
www.nytimes.com/2013/05/01/dining/white-asparagus-frances-spring-treat.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Grapes, hops.

[biggkidd]

A World Away!!!
2 miles from the grid and neighbors
South Central VA Since 2008

Hi Brad
Long time. How ya been? Thanks for the ideas. Thinking seriously about having 12 more acres cleared and running a few head of cattle. I would be nice if we had our own fresh beef. Might have a few pigs & goats too. Goats just to help cleaning things up. My girls want to have animals and I would like having fresh meat without all the added extra junk they get pumped full of.

[biggkidd]

A World Away!!!
2 miles from the grid and neighbors
South Central VA Since 2008

Well spent the long weekend cleaning up the roots and junk that clearing left behind. Went to get back on the tractor and noticed that my whole switch panel has fallen apart. All five of the LH switches are trashed the plugs look ok. I don't know if a stick got in there or what. The plastic housing and contacts are broken. Still running strong though!

[bradblazer]

Hi Larry, doing fine here. Busy at work. My Belarus hydraulics quit while I was bush-hogging the pasture. I think the relief valve is just stuck. Luckily the mower was in a position that let me finish and park it. I just looked up the fix and should be able to get to it this week.

Too bad about your switch panel. Is it something you can fab up with switches from the parts store or will you order an oem replacement?

[biggkidd]

A World Away!!!
2 miles from the grid and neighbors
South Central VA Since 2008

Brsd glad you were able to finish. I am having a problem W/ my TPH control valve thats got me a lot more worried than the switches. Its good to hear you'll be able to fix yours. I just don't seem to have time to work on mine to many projects. Work kids life seem to require all I can manage. lol One daughter whos 13 and knows all, always had honer roll now failing and doesn't care. I'm gonna have to get to the bottom of that first before I can sweat the small stuff. Life has been getting better and better now this so ? What to do. Hope everyone your way is well.