🚜 Choosing the Right Equipment for the Homestead

If there’s one thing that can make or break the rhythm of a small farm or homestead, it’s having the right equipment. Too much, and you’re buried in payments, maintenance, and horsepower you don’t need. Too little, and every project feels like a battle of willpower and weather. Finding that sweet spot in between is where experience — and a little Extension guidance — can make all the difference.

That’s where J.T. Benitez, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with The Ohio State University, comes in. Based in Butler County, J.T. works daily with farmers balancing dreams and budgets, helping them choose equipment that fits their acreage, not just their ambitions. His engineering-minded, practical approach has made him a go-to resource for those starting small, diversifying their operations, or refining their current setup.

When you’re farming on limited acreage, every piece of equipment has to earn its keep. The key, J.T. says, is to match your horsepower, implements, and layout to what you actually do — not what you think you might do “someday.” A compact tractor might handle mowing, tilling, and hauling with ease, while something twice the size could damage soil structure or simply be too bulky for maneuvering tight gates and garden spaces.

“Efficiency starts with fit,” J.T. often reminds new farmers. The right-sized tractor or implement doesn’t just save time — it saves soil, fuel, and frustration. Many small-acre farmers benefit from versatile, multi-use tools instead of multiple specialty machines, especially when those tools are chosen with future growth and maintenance in mind.

J.T.’s philosophy is rooted in practicality. He encourages farmers to think long-term, start simple, and scale intentionally. Look for reliable equipment that’s easy to maintain, has readily available parts, and fits your terrain and workload. Buy what you need when you need it, and let your land guide your next purchase.

As J.T. puts it, “The best equipment is the kind that makes you look forward to using it.”

At this year’s Tri-State Homesteading Conference, J.T. will share that same grounded approach in his session, “Choosing the Right Equipment for the Homestead.” Whether you’re working five acres or fifty, his guidance will help you find the balance between power and practicality — so your tools work for you, not the other way around.

🌾 Join us Saturday, November 8, at the Boone County Enrichment Center. Register by November 1 at www.tristatehomesteadersconference.com.