Let’s get something straight: running a farm—whether it’s sprawling acres or a few well-loved barns—is not a hobby. It’s a business. A full-blown, sweat-drenched, problem-solving, all-hands-on-deck business. And yet, there’s this maddening tendency for people to treat small farms like they’re a quaint pastime rather than a legitimate enterprise. It’s a disrespect that shows up in the most frustrating ways, from haggling over prices to flat-out accusations of greed.
Here’s the thing—small businesses deserve the same respect you give big-box stores or corporate giants. You wouldn’t walk into Walmart and start negotiating prices in the produce aisle or accuse them of charging too much because they’re “cashing in.” So why do people feel it’s okay to do that to small farms and family businesses? When we set our prices, it’s not because we’re swimming in piles of cash like some capitalist dragon. It’s because we’re crunching numbers, covering costs, and trying to make sure we stay afloat in an economy that’s anything but easy.
And yet, whenever we post about selling eggs or produce, there’s always someone ready to tell us how we’re doing it wrong. “Your eggs cost too much.” “I know a bigger farm that sells for less.” “You’re just greedy, trying to take advantage.” It’s exhausting, especially when you consider the work that goes into running a farm. The labor, the feed, the bedding, the gas, the upkeep—it’s an intricate dance of expenses that most people never see. And trust me, it’s not cheap.
But here’s the kicker: our pricing isn’t just about covering expenses. It’s about valuing our time, our work, and the quality of what we produce. It’s about running a sustainable business, not a backyard hobby. And yes, that means there’s a markup, just like you’d find in any store. That markup keeps the lights on. It pays for repairs when something inevitably breaks. It allows us to reinvest in the farm, whether that’s expanding the flock, planting more crops, or upgrading equipment. It’s not greed—it’s survival.
There’s a certain irony in all this. People will line up to pay premium prices for a designer purse or a fancy gadget, no questions asked. But when it comes to food—the very thing that keeps us alive—they balk at the idea of paying a fair price. Maybe it’s because they don’t see the work behind it, or maybe it’s because small businesses like ours feel accessible, like we’re supposed to bend over backward to please everyone. But at the end of the day, we’re running a business. Just like Walmart, just like the big farms, and just like any other operation that contributes to the economy.
So here’s a reminder: small farms and businesses are not hobbies. We’re legitimate enterprises, providing high-quality products and services while navigating challenges that would make most people throw in the towel. Give us the same respect you’d give any other business. And maybe next time, instead of telling us our prices are too high, ask us about what goes into them. You might learn a thing or two about the realities of farming—and just how hard we work to make it all happen.
What’s your take on respecting small businesses? Let’s hear your thoughts—respectfully, of course.
