Some people have always wanted to be farmers because they enjoy working the land. Others enter this occupation as a primary means of income generation for the family. Each new farmer will have specific needs and requirements in terms of learning. The ideal way to get an education is by working on an existing farm and seeing how it operates.
There are farming apprenticeship programs available to interested individuals. The northeastern and Midwestern U.S. are the locations for several farm work mentoring programs. An interested individual can also contact a farm directly to see if the operators would be interested in teaching and mentoring someone interested in a farming career. This can be an invaluable experience that not only provides an education, it allows the prospective farmer to build a network within the industry.
Formal learning can take place in vo-ag high schools, colleges, community colleges, and universities. Not all of these programs will require that an individual enroll as a student in order to take a course. Those interested in farming can also read journals, books, and other publications. They can find relevant information on Web sites and take workshops that relate to farming.
There are professionals such as farm consultants and extension educators that provide technical assistance to those interested in farming. Perhaps the most important lessons to be learned will occur when the individual is working on the farm. The person will never truly know what it means to be a farmer until his or her own resources and finances are being used.
The Internet is a good place to find additional resources like fact sheets, statistics, and farming apprentice opportunities. An individual should determine the type of farm that he or she would like to work on and then locate a relevant apprenticeship. Some of these opportunities include a mentor who will help the individual evaluate and plan a farming enterprise.
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