Would this be appealing?

[MisFitFarm]

I'm going to post this in Real Estate and Homesteading because I don't know which one is the best place.

I am going to buy a 21 acre farm in Western Kentucky, near Lake Beshear. It is on the Hopkins/Caldwell County line, so there are several small to medium sized towns within easy driving distance. The nearest small town is Dawson Springs, it is 5.7 miles from my road to the town square.

I have Fibromyalgia, and have filed for disability. I had thought that my daughter was going to be my partner in the farm. She's not.

At this point, the property is 21 open acres, the perimeter is fenced with barbed wire, there is a 26 foot travel trailer on it and a frost free hydrant for water. I just got a light pole, as soon as I can get that up they will connect the electricity and I can at least live there until I can get a mobile home moved in or something built.

Anyway, given my health situation, it's obvious that I'm going to need help. But I won't be able to pay anyone.

If I advertise for someone to live on the farm and help out, with me providing even their food, would this be appealing? I know there are a lot of variables, and what if's at this point. I still have to get a place to live on it!

I'm just wondering if this is even feasible, and how would I know it was safe?

[rambler]

I would be concerned about getting a good quality person to answer such an ad. Too many lazy, or worse, harmful people out there that want to take advantage of others.

With nothing at all invested from them, how do you keep them motivated to keep helping you once they move their lazy rear into your mobil home?

'Here' mobil homes are not typically allowed as a primary residence on an acreage. They are not very appealing 'here'. I'd be scared of anyone answering such an ad.

I'd tap into the network of friends & relatives to find a person with some motivation in life, and wanting to work for room & board. From there you might find someone who at least would not take advantage of you.

--->Paul

[newhomemaker]

If you were further north, DH and I would be willing. KY is still too south for us.

[whiterabbit454]

ive noticed alot of people in kentuky on these boards maybe someone is close by where you are at maybe they could help find or know of someone that would help you worth a try anyway im in northern kentucky

[ChristyACB]

I'm thinking there are a lot of people who might be right for the job, but that finding them is hard! And a good number of those will be people who want to learn those skills but don't have them yet. Either way, hard shoes to fill that may take some time.

Are you already a skilled homesteader? If so, I would be sure to let it be known that you're not just trading a whole lot of hard work for their keep, but also to teach them those skills. That sweetens the pot nicely!

I agree though that there are a lot of very bad people out there who are going to look at this as a way to get over on you. Be ever so careful and you may want to leave out any issue of being disabled at all until you have pre-screened a person. I don't think that is dishonest because your illness isn't one that keeps most people from doing things all the time, only keeps them from doing sometimes. (Not judging at all, I have an aunt with it.)

I just did a quick search but couldn't find it. Maybe someone else remembers? There was someone who posted looking for this type of situation very recently. Posting looking for a homestead to work. Sounded young.

Good luck and let us know!

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

I admire your spirit. I know Fibromyalgia is very painful, but keep fighting. The meds aren't great now, but I anticipate more progress in the near future.

You can always attract plenty of takers with free room and board, but you will have to run background checks to screen out the bums.

You might grow crops on your acreage with a local farmer doing the work and you split the proceeds.

I would consult with FFA and 4H chapters in that area to see if you might work out a deal with them using your land for projects in return for some sweat equity.

Is the bait business a go?

RF

[MisFitFarm]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses and ideas. Once I get completely settled on the farm I'll have a better idea of which direction to go. I like the idea about the local FFA.

Yes, Rocky, I'm still looking into the bait shop, since there isn't anything else around. Hoping that would be a plus with help as well.

[longshot38]

what about renting a portion of the land to a neighbor, with any caviates that you feel are necessary, and just work what you are able to with your condition.

dean