️ Why 96% of Farmers Can’t Rely on the Farm Alone. What if we told you that almost every farmer in America depends on an off-farm paycheck to make it work? In this episode of the Dust’er Mud Podcast, Rich and Shelley expose the truth behind modern farming in 2025—it’s not what most people expect—and share their own story of building a farm from scratch with the help of a military retirement.
From feeding pigs at sunrise to pulling lambs at midnight, they’ve lived every inch of the regenerative farm life—while also depending on stable, off-farm income to make it work.
️ Inside This Episode:
Why 96% of farms can’t survive on farm income alone
Median farm income in 2023? A $900 loss
How off-farm jobs bring stability, healthcare, and growth
The truth about startup capital and why many new farmers are also full-time workers
Their personal story: starting a farm at 48 & 49 with zero land, zero equipment—but a mission
Plus: how watching piglets play brings joy back to the grind—and why “real farming” looks a whole lot like resilience, not failure.
Whether you're dreaming of a farm, already knee-deep in chores, or just curious about where your food really comes from—this episode’s for you.
️ Want more?
Comment below and tell us: Do you work an off-farm job to support your farm or homestead? We'd love to hear your story!
Articles referenced in discussion:
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/the-other-paycheck-how-off-farm-income-keeps-farmers-farming
https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2020/march/family-farm-households-reap-benefits-in-working-off-the-farm
https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/110351/EIB-282.pdf?v=90857
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/disaster-assistance-fuels-2025s-farm-income-rebound
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/farm-income-and-wealth-statistics/charts-and-maps-of-us-farm-balance-sheet-data
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Website: Air2GroundFarms.com
Meat Store: Air2GroundMeats.com
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Links
Shop Our Regenerative Farm Products: https://www.air2groundfarms.com/merchandise
Support Our Regenerative Farm: https://www.patreon.com/Air2GroundFarms
Past Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoP_bkt2jIg&list=PLNZ5CvWcuuxFb5vNTo5g7qN_UYGVxpm3_
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