Is becoming a farmer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Farmer
Becoming a farmer involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and good planning. Here are steps you can take to pursue a career in farming:
- Gain Agricultural Knowledge: Start by building a solid foundation in agriculture. Many aspiring farmers choose to pursue formal education by earning an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Sciences, or Agricultural Business. These programs often combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, helping you develop both technical knowledge and practical skills.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Work or volunteer on a farm to gain real-world experience. Whether you're planting, harvesting, feeding animals, or operating machinery, these activities teach you the day-to-day realities of farming. Internships, apprenticeships, and farm training programs are great ways to deepen your skills and clarify which type of farming suits you best.
- Create a Farm Plan: Develop a clear plan for what you want to farm and how you’ll do it. Decide whether you’ll grow crops, raise animals, or specialize in something like beekeeping or hydroponics. Research your target market, estimate startup and operational costs, and map out how your farm will function throughout the year.
- Secure Land and Funding: Find land to start farming—this might mean leasing a plot, purchasing property, or applying to a beginning farmer program. Explore loans, grants, or community resources that support new farmers. You’ll also need to gather the tools, seeds, livestock, or equipment necessary to begin operations.
- Start and Grow Your Farm: Once you have land and resources in place, begin farming on a manageable scale. Track your progress, learn from experience, and make adjustments as needed. Build relationships with buyers, local markets, and fellow farmers to strengthen your network and grow your business over time.
Helpful Resources
Here are some helpful and reliable resources that can support you on your journey to becoming a farmer:
- National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA): ATTRA offers practical information on sustainable farming, including production methods, business planning, and marketing. It’s especially useful for new and small-scale farmers.
- USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: This official government site provides funding opportunities, training programs, and planning tools for new farmers. It also includes information on loans, conservation programs, and technical assistance.
- Cooperative Extension System: Most states have a local extension office through land-grant universities. These offices offer free or low-cost resources, workshops, expert advice, and community-based support on various farming topics.
- Young Farmers Coalition: This nonprofit advocates for young and beginning farmers and provides resources on policy, land access, and community building.
- AgPlan: Developed by the University of Minnesota, AgPlan helps farmers create personalized business plans and provides tips and examples tailored to different types of farms.
- Farm Answers: Managed by the USDA and the University of Minnesota, this platform hosts hundreds of free resources on farm management, financial planning, and training opportunities.