where to get started farming?

unregistered168043 · #21 03/12/12, 03:32 PM

Honestly couldn't you educate yourself regarding soil science and etc.. Then start small, sell at farmers markets and go from there?

Cornell has a 'beginner farmers online course' You might could check that out.

viggie · #22 03/12/12, 03:35 PM

That's why I got involved with the extension Darntootin. There are constant educational opportunities.

I can't grow more than what I can eat where I'm at though, which is why I am just in the planning phases. I am running a community garden with that sort of no-money-down approach though. I just thought maybe someone here would have specifics that would help.

Ramblin Wreck · #23 03/12/12, 03:40 PM

Farm Bureaus may be different in Wisconsin, but here they mainly support larger scale commercial farms. However, even for us little guys, it can be a competitive source for home/farm insurance, as they do understand that cows can escape from pastures and attack cars. They also understand that barns and other structures need coverage too.

Old Vet · #24 03/12/12, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigilant20

I would not get into conventional farming. I am looking at organic / market farming. Another degree is definitely out of the question, time/money wise. But I will check out some of the other leads.

What you have is a truck farm. It is nothing but a large garden. When you ask about it tell them it is a truck farm. Every type of farming is different and has a different set of circumstances. There is no one size or conditions for every type of a farm.

Natural Beauty Farm · #25 03/13/12, 12:15 AM

You can also look at something called farm link

It matches older farmers who want to retire with a younger generation that is looking to get a foot in the door. It helps keep farms... farms and not let the land turn into subdivisions after the farmer passes away. I'm joining the program here in VA, hoping to find someone who wants to take over my farm.

viggie · #26 03/13/12, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natural Beauty Farm

You can also look at something called farm link

It matches older farmers who want to retire with a younger generation that is looking to get a foot in the door. It helps keep farms... farms and not let the land turn into subdivisions after the farmer passes away. I'm joining the program here in VA, hoping to find someone who wants to take over my farm.

Oh that's very cool! Thank you.

ET1 SS · #27 03/13/12, 09:28 AM

In our region, the local Organic certifying agency has a HUGE membership role. Among them is a network of all Farmer's Markets.

They offer a full calendar of workshops and events year-round. Plus they have an Apprenticeship - Journeyman program.

You work on a farm for room/board and a stipend for a year, then rotate to a different farm for a second year. Then they make you Farm Manger of one of the tracts of farm land they have in conservator-ship; for 2-years. Then they try to find you a farm for your own [either donated land, or land that an elderly couple can will to you, or else they arrange a mortgage for you.]

My Dw and I are members of MOFGA.

You may have such an organization in your area.

oregon woodsmok · #28 03/13/12, 03:24 PM

You will probably want to join the Farm Bureau when you get your farm, so you can buy insurance through them.

Before you get your farm, there is less reason. The Farm Bureau does keep lobbyists who try to protect us, and they send me a nice calender every year, so it wouldn't be a total waste of money.

I suggest you see if there is a good agricultural newspaper in your area. That is something that is worth spending money on. We've got a good one in the PNW called The Capital Press. It's for WA, OR, and ID. I think maybe a bit for Northern California.

It's for commercial agriculture, not the little backyard hobbyist, but will keep you up to date on federal laws being considered and results of any studies published, and new equipment available. Also good articles on less common crops, and what crops are actually returning a profit at the time.

I suspect a little googling would turn up whatever agricultural newspaper covers your area.

wy_white_wolf · #29 03/13/12, 04:12 PM

http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/...rm_funding.htm

Ken Scharabok · #30 03/14/12, 12:09 PM

See if your local library can get you a loaner copy of You Can Farm by Joel Salatin.

duckidaho · #31 03/14/12, 12:33 PM

We have tried, and occasionally succeeded, at "farmer's market" type farming. It is just starting to jell after three years of trying. (a couple of really brutal growing seasons were part of the problem-although there are many factors involved).

I wouldn't plan on making much money right off the bat.

That said, jump right in and chase your dreams! Plan on lots of mistakes and failures. Good luck.