Being a farmer is as deeply rooted a profession as you can get; It’s the job that has sustained mankind since we first learned to sow seeds and watch them grow. Farming today goes beyond purely traditional understandings of the career. It is a profession that is changing, innovating, and becoming more versatile than ever before.
A farmer today isn’t only a person hunched over rows of corn but also the engineer tweaking the technology that maximizes crop yields, the steward advocating sustainable methods, or the city dweller curating a rooftop garden for fresh produce.
In the following article, we’ll delve into the nuances of becoming a farmer—defining what it actually means to be a farmer, exploring different types of farming, helping you choose a path that suits your personal aspirations and interests, and finally, giving you practical steps to kickstart your agricultural journey. With this guide, it’s time to take the first steps on your journey to starting a new lifestyle out in the country.
Understanding the Duties of a Farmer
As someone who works in close communion with Mother Nature, a farmer’s job involves much more than simply sowing seeds and harvesting crops. It’s an art and a science that calls upon skills in biology, meteorology, and business management, and it requires a deep commitment to the land and to the community. What most people don’t realize is that the role of a farmer can be quite broad and varies depending on the type of farming involved.
Let’s take crop farming as a starting point. You will be responsible for selecting suitable seeds based on regional and seasonal conditions, preparing the soil by treating it with fertilizers and pesticides, then planting the seeds.
During the growing season, crops require nurturing and protection from disease and pests, which demands close monitoring and timely action.
Once the produce is ready for harvesting, you’ll operate machinery to gather fruits, grains, or vegetables and transport them for sale or storage. The off-season is no time to rest on your laurels, however. This is when the fields are prepared for the next sowing cycle, machinery is repaired, and plans are put into place for the upcoming season.
If your path leads to animal farming, your days will be filled with feeding and caring for animals such as dairy cows, chickens, pigs, goats, or sheep.
This also involves attending to their health needs, including administering vaccines and managing any illnesses or injuries. Part of animal farming also includes the marketing aspect, such as selling milk, eggs, wool, or even the animals themselves. You’ll need to know how to take inventory, set prices, and negotiate sales with larger corporations or locals.
Regardless of the type of farming, as a farmer, you’ll also need to carefully monitor changes in the weather, as this directly affects your daily tasks and crucial decisions on when to sow, harvest, or move livestock. You’ll also need to manage marketing and sales of your farm products, be it directly to consumers, to wholesalers, or at farmers’ markets.
Essentially, farming is a comprehensive and dynamic profession. It requires diverse skills, attentive management, and an unwavering dedication to both the art and science of nurturing life from the land.
Types of Farmers
As an aspiring farmer, you might be wondering: What types of farmers are there? The truth is, farming is a diverse profession that can take on various forms.
Having a clear understanding of the different types of farming and what each entails can help you align your interests and strengths and ultimately guide your path forward in the industry. Let’s go over a couple of different types of farmers and what each of them does. This will help you determine what kind of farming you might like to get into yourself.
Arable Farmers
If you’re an arable farmer, your focus is on cultivating crops. This not only requires a good understanding of different plant species but also necessitates knowledge about soil health and crop diseases.
For instance, if you decide to farm wheat in the Midwest, you’ll need to know the best time to sow, how to manage pests and diseases, and when to harvest.
Pastoral Farmers
These farmers primarily rear animals for meat, wool, or dairy products. Imagine yourself tending to a flock of sheep in a lush pasture: your day-to-day tasks would consist of feeding the sheep, ensuring they have water, managing their health, and shearing their wool when it’s time. If you have veterinary skills, this could be a good path to pursue.
Mixed Farming
Mixed Farming combines the best of both worlds– animal rearing and crop farming. A mixed farmer may plant crops like wheat or corn while also caring for livestock such as cows, sheep, or pigs. The crops are often cultivated to feed the animals, yielding a symbiotic relationship that’s very sustainable.
Organic Farmer
If sustainability really excites you and you have a passion for organic and natural products, consider becoming an Organic Farmer.
Organic farms prioritize conserving natural resources and maintaining an ecological balance. You would use practices that don’t harm the environment or the health of the consumers, such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control.
Specialized Farmers
Specialization in certain products has also given rise to a plethora of niche farming types. For instance, Poultry Farmers specialize in raising chickens for their meat or eggs, while Apicultural Farmers, or beekeepers, raise honeybees for the precious honey they produce.
Specialized farmers can also make more money since they have to have specific knowledge in order to be successful. However, it can also be a more demanding career path to pursue.
Examples of Farming Careers
Farming is a multifaceted industry that offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities. Whether you prefer to get your hands dirty in the soil or you’re more interested in the business and management side of things, there’s a place for you in the wonderful world of farming.
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of farming careers that you could get into and what each one involves.
Farm Manager
A Farm Manager oversees the operating functionalities of a farming establishment, from planning to crop planting and harvest management. Their responsibility is significant, and they play a decisive role in the success of the farm.
It’s important to note that farm managers can either own their own farm or can work on another farm overseeing operations. Farm management is a difficult career path and often involves quite a bit of higher education in order to be successful.
Agricultural Consultant
If you have a knack for problem-solving and enjoy applying knowledge to practical situations, this role may be a great fit. Agricultural Consultants provide technical, managerial, and financial advice to various farming enterprises.
They help farmers optimize their operations and stay abreast of the latest developments in agricultural science.
Agronomist
For those with a deep understanding of plant science and a passion for fieldwork, becoming an Agronomist might be a desirable path.
Agronomists study and work to improve soil and crop yields. They might specialize in researching better farming practices, weed control, fertilization, or plant breeding.
Niche Farming Careers
In today’s agricultural landscape, many professionals are getting involved in niche farming. An Organic Farming Specialist ensures that farming practices adhere to organic principles. They help farms transition from traditional methods while minimizing the impact on production volume or profitability.
Another niche farming career is the Permaculture Designer. These professionals focus on designing agricultural ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural systems. They make agriculture more sustainable by replicating nature’s patterns.
Remember, these are just a few examples of different farming careers you can get into. There’s a world of different job possibilities out there if you’re interested in the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors.
Relevant Courses for a Farming Career
As an aspiring farmer, it’s always a plus to have a solid foundation in traditional agricultural education under your belt, even if you’re planning on running a family farm. Understanding the technological advancements, environmental impacts, and business management strategies can significantly elevate your farming efficacy.
While you could technically start your own farm without any of these degrees, it’s going to make your life much more difficult. You may also have to spend more money on farm hands and assistance to help you get things off the ground.
If you’d rather get some education under your belt before starting a farm, however, here are a couple of different courses you can take to help you be successful.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
There are numerous degree programs in agriculture that you can choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. These include bachelor’s degree programs in:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Science
- Agriculture Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
Regardless of which you choose, all of these programs generally cover a broad curriculum, providing education on topics such as soil science, crop production, animal husbandry, farm machinery, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural economics.
Equipped with such education, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of modern farming practices, which will prove indispensable when you’re in the middle of your field handling biological uncertainties or making critical decisions regarding your farm’s financial health.
Master’s Degree Programs
For those eyeing leadership roles on larger or corporate farms, Master’s degrees in Agricultural Business or Agribusiness Management offer insights into financial management, marketing, and labor laws, all tailored specifically to agricultural contexts.
You can also just opt for an MBA, which can help you learn more about the business management aspect of running a farm.
Certifications and Specializations
Besides bachelor’s degrees, you can also get specific certifications and specializations to help you be a successful farmer.
Certified Crop Advisor and Certified Professional Agronomist
For instance, the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification and the Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) certification are two recognized credentials within the industry.
Earning these certifications is a way of proving to potential employers, business partners, and even customers that you hold a comprehensive understanding of the industry and are dedicated to best practices.
USDA Organic Certification
In the growing field of organic farming, USDA organic certification or an Organic Farming Certification Program can be a great asset. It gives customers confidence that your farming practices meet the regulations set forth by the National Organic Program.
While not required, this certification could potentially open doors to markets and customers that non-certified farms may not have access to.
Short-Term Courses and Seminars
Now, don’t worry if you aren’t able to enroll in a full-fledged degree program. Growing as a farmer doesn’t strictly require a specific degree but is more about continuous learning. You can always opt for short-term courses or seminars on relevant topics.
Many local community colleges and agricultural extensions offer such resources. Plus, a variety of online platforms offer courses in specific areas of interest, such as beekeeping, permaculture, or hydroponic farming.
Necessary Permits for Becoming a Farmer
As you navigate your professional journey toward being a farmer, understanding the specific certifications and licenses that you might need can prove extremely valuable. Typically, farming doesn’t require a professional license as it does in other fields like medicine or law. However, certain situations do require a permit or license.
The type of farming you choose will influence the licenses and certifications you might need. For example, if you plan to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides, a pesticide applicator’s license is often necessary. This is to ensure that you are trained in their usage and understand the potential hazards.
Permit and license requirements differ across states and countries and largely depend on the type of farming you wish to venture into, but here are some common areas to consider. It’s always a good idea to research the farming laws, regulations, and best practices in your state or country.
To help get you started, here are a couple of permits you may need to get in order to become a farmer.
Permits for Sale of Raw Milk
If your farm is going to involve the commercial sale of raw (unpasteurized) milk— as some dairy farms do— you’ll need to obtain a permit for this activity as well. This is because raw milk must be handled and sold in a manner that reduces risk, and the permit process ensures that you are equipped to do so.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Permit
For larger farm operations, you may need to acquire a concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) permit, especially if your farm houses large numbers of livestock. This permit has regulations aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of livestock waste.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful Farmer
Farming is not just about the practical aspects of sowing, growing, and harvesting. It goes beyond these activities, requiring a dynamic set of skills and qualities that not only ensure success but also enhance one’s enjoyment of this noble profession.
With that said, let’s take a look at a couple of skills you’ll need in order to be a successful farmer.
Mechanical Skills
Familiarity with farming machinery is essential. Understanding how to operate and maintain your equipment ensures that your farm runs smoothly.
For instance, learning how to troubleshoot common issues with a tractor can save you precious time and money during harvest season.
Business Acumen
As a farmer, you’re also a business owner. You need to understand concepts like supply and demand, budgeting, and profit margins.
For example, it’s necessary to map out costs ahead of planting season so you can set reasonable prices for your produce and ensure your farm remains profitable.
Adaptability
The nature of farming requires resilience and the ability to adapt swiftly to circumstances beyond your control, such as changing weather conditions or fluctuating market prices.
Let’s say you’re experiencing unexpected rainfall on a day planned for harvesting; you should have a contingency plan in place to prevent losses.
Physical Stamina
Farm work can be significantly demanding, requiring strength to operate machinery, stamina to work long hours, and resilience to accommodate weather changes. Remember the feeling of exhaustion after a long day of physical chores? That’s a regular day for a farmer.
Patience
Plants and animals grow in their own time, and rushing things can lead to disaster. The crops won’t sprout faster just because you want them to, and your livestock will not grow overnight. It’s essential to understand and respect this aspect of farming.
Passion for Agriculture
The most successful farmers are those who love what they do. This isn’t the kind of job where you can clock out at 5 p.m. and forget about your responsibilities.
You need to be genuinely passionate about nurturing life, whether in the form of crops or livestock.
Lifelong Learning
Agriculture is an evolving field, with new techniques, technologies, and discoveries constantly on the horizon. Successful farmers are lifelong learners who never stop seeking ways to increase their yields, improve their operations, and reduce their environmental impact.
Steps to Becoming a Farmer
A career in farming can be incredibly rewarding, providing that you find happiness in the simpler pleasures of life: feeling the fresh air against your skin as you wake up with the sun, witnessing the miracles of nature unfolding under your dedicated care, and knowing that your hard work directly contributes sustenance for the community.
At the same time, it can be extremely demanding. Farmers work long hours and have to conduct backbreaking work. Be prepared to sweat a lot and spend days out in the field regardless of the weather.
With that said, embarking on a farming career is not for the faint of heart; it demands dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the land and its bounty. Still, if you’re certain this is the way forward for you, here’s how you can realize your dream.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
As in any other career, it’s crucial to start by evaluating your readiness and commitment. Farming is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle.
The long hours, physical labor, and unpredictability that comes with changing seasons and market fluctuations are part and parcel of being a farmer. Take the time to do a personal inventory of your skills, endurance, and passion level.
Step 2: Gain Knowledge and Experience
Next, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge for farming. This might involve pursuing an agricultural degree, attending workshops, or even spending time on a farm as an apprentice or volunteer.
For instance, you can start out by volunteering on a local farm, which can give you hands-on experience and a practical understanding of the day-to-day tasks farmers undertake.
Step 3: Choose a Farming Specialty
The agriculture industry is incredibly diverse, with various specialties you can pursue—from livestock farming to crop cultivation, organic farming, and more. It’s important to identify a specialty that aligns with your passion and learning.
Step 4: Create a Business Plan
Successful farmers are entrepreneurial at heart. Creating a comprehensive business plan that includes details about your target market, operational structure, marketing strategy, and financial projections is essential.
This step can not only help to bring clarity but also comes in handy when applying for loans and grants.
Step 5: Get Funded
Depending on your financial standing and business plan, you might need to get external funding. Agricultural loans offered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency are specifically designed for farmers and ranchers, especially those starting out.
Step 6: Find Farmland
Finding the right piece of land is perhaps the most important and hardest step. Consider factors such as soil fertility, water availability, and proximity to markets. Research can take as long as several months (or even longer) when trying to find a suitable piece of land to start a farming career.
Step 7: Start Farming
Once you’ve secured your land, put your boots on, roll up your sleeves, and begin your toil under the sun. Remember to stay flexible, patient, and persistent—it will be tough, but the satisfaction of seeing your first harvest will be unparalleled.
The Average Salary of a Farmer
Like any other profession, farming too comes with its financial considerations. As an aspiring farmer, it’s important to be aware of the average annual income in this field as there is considerable variation depending on the type of farming, geographical location, market prices, farming efficiency, and the scale of the farm.
Let’s go over a couple of handy salary statistics to note to help you determine whether this job is a good fit financially.
National Level Statistics
On a national level, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $75,760 as of May 2022. However, this does not take into account the diversity of farming careers. For instance, certain types of farmers, such as greenhouse and nursery growers or dairy farmers, may earn different average salaries.
Moreover, the financial performance of a farm depends significantly upon the efficiency of the operation – how effectively inputs are used to generate outputs and the farmer’s ability to manage costs and leverage market opportunities.
Traditional and Specialty Farming
While traditional crop farming can be subjected to volatile market prices and unpredictable weather patterns, specialty farming like organic farming or niche markets like winery operations or lavender farming often attract premium prices, hence potentially higher income.
Consider, for instance, that according to the USDA, the average full-time farmer made $185,000 in 2021. Yet earnings can fluctuate significantly from year to year due to shifting factors like the weather, market prices, and government policies.
Don’t Forget the Initial Investment for Starting a Farm
Starting a farm also requires a substantial initial investment. Land, farming equipment, seeds, livestock – everything comes with its cost. However, financial support is often available via loans and grants specifically tailored for farmers. Additionally, many farmers diversify their income through agritourism, hosting educational events, or selling value-added products.
While the monetary returns may not be as immediate or predictable as a traditional 9-5 job, farming offers other forms of compensation: the satisfaction of nourishing communities, stewardship of the land, and living a life closely connected with nature.
Indeed, successful farming depends heavily on passion and persistence. As an aspiring farmer, be prepared to embrace these challenges as part of the unique and rewarding journey that makes up a career in agriculture.
Benefits of Becoming a Farmer
Farming is more than just a career, it’s a way of life rich with invaluable benefits. One of the most fulfilling aspects of becoming a farmer is the direct impact you make in your community and your personal connection to the land and the food you grow.
Let’s take a look at a couple of other rewards of becoming a farmer.
Cultivating a Close Relationship with Nature
You witness first-hand the cycles of life, the change of seasons, and the remarkable transformation from seed to harvest. There’s a unique perspective gained from this intimate interaction with the earth – it fosters a profound respect and understanding for our ecosystem.
Healthy and Active Lifestyle
As opposed to the sedentary nature of many desk jobs, farming is inherently physical. You’re constantly moving, and this active lifestyle not only keeps you fit but also promotes mental well-being.
Independence
Independence is another major perk of this profession. You’re essentially your own boss, setting your own schedules and making decisions about your operation.
For instance, you get to decide which crops to grow each season. This autonomy provides a sense of freedom and empowerment that few other careers offer.
Potential for Solid Income
Financially, while farming isn’t easy and may not lead to immense wealth, there is potential to earn a solid income, especially when you diversify and tap into niche markets.
For example, diversifying into farming fields like beekeeping along with traditional fields like crop farming can give you specialized products like naturally produced honey that can be sold at the farmer’s market.
Job Satisfaction
There’s indescribable satisfaction in watching something grow from a tiny seed into a bountiful crop or raising livestock from infancy to adulthood. Every plate of food served from your produce lends a sense of achievement that’s genuinely fulfilling.
Contributing to the Community
Remember that as a farmer, you play a vital role in sustaining our society and economy. You become part of an essential workforce that meets one of humanity’s basic needs – food.
Every plump tomato, every bushel of wheat, and every carton of milk contributes to nourishing your community, your territory, or even your country. That makes farming a demanding yet noble profession.
Next Steps
From our deep dive into the profession, it’s clear that a career in farming, while certainly challenging, offers a wealth of personal and professional rewards that are unique to it alone. There’s something magical in following the seasonal rhythms of Mother Nature and seeing that hard work and persistence blossom into a thriving, productive farm.
Farming is not just about growing crops or raising livestock, it’s about contributing to society by feeding populations, protecting the environment, and preserving our agricultural heritage. The reward is not just financial; it’s in knowing that you, as a farmer, are making a difference.
So, whether your dream is to take over the family farm, start your own organic vegetable plot, or pioneer new sustainable farming practices, remember this – farming is a career that, while demanding, offers something few other careers can match – the chance to live off the land, work in the natural world, and provide a vital service to your community and beyond. It is a career that quite literally keeps the world turning.
Embrace the rewarding journey of becoming a farmer — and connect with our expert career coaches who can provide you with personalized guidance, helping you determine if a farming career truly harnesses your passion, talents, and ambitions.
