For most people, the biggest one-off purchase they'll ever make is the family home, the next biggest, their car.

Farms represent huge investments, chock-full of expensive equipment and technology vital to the operation of the enterprise.

Before moving to northern Tasmania, I was a city slicker. Now I'm constantly interviewing farmers and getting my shoes dirty. It got me thinking — what would it cost to start up my own farm?

Let's say I've got a bit of land, the house and more sheds than you can poke a cattle prod at. That's a start, but I'm going to need more to become a true blue farmer.

I took a shopping list of farm essentials to Agfest, the huge agricultural expo which has been running in Tasmania for 34 years, to find out.

Hat

So many hats to choose from at Agfest. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

Every farmer needs a hat. You have to look the part, so this is one of the most important choices a wannabe farmer has to make.

There are literally hundreds to choose from in all shapes and materials. It has to be cool in hot weather and keep the wearer as dry as possible when the rain is belting down.

Price: $69

Tractor

Back in the day, a horse was the must-have item for any farmer worth their salt. These days a farmer's prized workhorse is a tractor. And you could do worse than one with a front-end loader.

Having this all-purpose beast means this new farmer will be able to slash paddocks, fix up any roads on the property and, when I fit hay forks to the front, feed the cattle.

The bloke at the stall told me it can be used for pretty much anything. I'm loving the green, but this baby does not come cheap.

Price: $98,990

Waterproof coat

They smell funny, but sacrifices have to be made for farm fashion. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

In case you hadn't noticed, Tasmania cops the full spectrum of weather — rain, hail, shine and snow. This all-weather coat smells horrendous, but strange odours are part of farm life.

And at this price it's an absolute bargain, just when I need one.

Price: $79

Hay rake

Once the pastures are slashed, a farmer needs a rake to sweep up all the hay.

I'm not talking the boring, wooden-handled variety you leave outside the laundry door. I'm talking motorised twin rotor-rake — something a farmer can tow behind the tractor and sweep a whole paddock of cut grass into neat piles in minutes. This is a real blister-saver if ever there was one.

This stuff is really starting to add up.

Price: $26,950

Hay baler

OK, this wannabe farmer now has lots and lots of hay. What now?

Have you ever driven along a country road and wondered how they make those huge barrels of hay? Well, this is the answer — a round baler.

I'm sparing no expense here — I'm assured this bundle of joy is one of the best roller-uppers in the business. And it also comes in green.

I'll take it, but the end total is starting to look a bit worrying.

Price: $74,800

Quad bike

For sure, a farmer will be needing a runabout for my busy farm.

Something that will not only will get me around the property pronto, but something I can hitch a trailer to for firewood or feed for transportation.

For me, the roll cage is a must. Safety first, of course.

Brand new, these things cost more than a lot of people's first car! Ouch.

Price: $11,995

Blue quad bike with roll bars? Giddy up. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

Irrigation

I am shown an irrigator that is "low pressure" and has "four arms", which is quite unique, the salesperson said. That means this wannabe farmer is not going to need a high pressure pump. Sweet.

I'm also told it's good for someone who is starting out because it's easy to move around.

Hey buddy, you obviously haven't seen my green tractor. Whatever, add it to the cart!

Price: $8,500

Puppy

Hi there, my little farm buddy. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

Of course I am going to need a trusty dog. The perfect companion, the essential farm hand and the eternal optimist.

This farmer's best friend who is there for you, through flood and drought. This one comes with a pedigree in shepherding. And the cute factor is off the charts.

It's hard to stop at one, but I probably can't afford any more at this point.

Price: $500

Ute

Along with a great hat, every farmer needs a ute. I mean, what else am I going to drive to my next ute muster?

I don't think any farm dog would be seen dead in my hatchback. So the classic "you beaut" it is.

Might need to take on a second job to pay for all this.

Price: $49,912

You could fit a lot of dogs in this tray. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

Chainsaw

There will be firewood to cut. Fallen trees across the road to clear. Perhaps even carving out the odd bit of bush furniture. I could not call myself a farmer without a chainsaw.

And this one is battery operated. Perfect. Quieter than a petrol model and there's no emissions, and no worrying about fuel mixes.

But it still costs quite a bit. Maybe I'd be better off with a humble axe?

Price: $519

Look out wood, here I come. ( ABC News: Daniel Blades )

Crunch time

Right, so that all comes to a grand total of $272,314 and I've hardly started.

There's still fencing, water tanks, livestock and horses and whatever else to buy. I'm starting to wonder how any farmer can possibly make all this pay.

As for my farming dream, I'm not sure my bank manager will be on board. Maybe I'll have to put off that career change for a while.

But I'm keeping the hat.