How do I become a farmer?

Many larger universities have entire departments of agricultural sciences (for example, here’s the link to Colorado State’s http://www.agsci.colostate.edu/college/majorsandprograms.html). Even if you didn’t want to do a whole degree program, if you have access to a university, you might want to audit some classes that you see being beneficial to your goals.

It’s funny, I was thinking about this today, too. I’m thinking about starting my own sustainable and organic flower farm. I know sustainable farm technology is constantly evolving, and I’m wondering if university classes are the right way to go… maybe an apprenticeship or reading up on books would be a better idea?

A very good friend of mine spent two years as an apprentice on a small, sustainable farm in Massachusetts. Before becoming a farmer, he was an actor with a degree in theatre, and he had very little (if any) experience farming. He’s now highly knowledgeable about farming, and he’s developed a lifelong passion for it. I doubt it would have worked out as well for him if he had spent those two years studying agriculture at a university.