Getting into farming as a non-farmer - is it feasible?

In permaculture I've noticed a focus on intensive growing at a very small scale. This makes sense as it's the easiest way for most people to practice permaculture. But it does nothing about the fact that most arable land is used for unsustainable farming of commodity crops. Some people may think nothing can be done about this, and we should just focus on practicing permaculture at home. But I for one would like to do something more to help preserve and restore our soils and ecosystems. I think there's been some improvement in farming practices, with no-till becoming more common for example, but it's still a long ways from being sustainable.

However, with the recent shocks in the supply of several highly relied upon agricultural inputs, I think many farmers may be willing to try something different, or even be forced to. What I would like to do is talk with farmers in my area to discuss their situation and inform them of alternative methods which can lower input costs. But there are two problems with this. One, I don't feel confident trying to convince anyone of using methods I've merely read in books and used in small gardens, but not personally seen used on large scale farms.

Two, I'm not even sure where to find said farmers. I only know one cattle farmer who lives far away, otherwise I can't think of a single person in my area who farms. There used to be many in my family, but they've all died or long since retired. I've heard to go to farmers' markets, but, at least in my area, they are just places where their goods get shipped to.

Also, since I've very little room to experiment at home, and can't afford to buy land, I've considered leasing a bit of farmland to see for myself how feasible it is to farm without conventional methods (i.e. synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, large machinery). But it seems this is very difficult to do without knowing farmers who are willing to lease. I've tried mailing the owners of farms that appear to be fallow, with no luck so far.

The other option I'm considering is going to an agricultural college. There's one near where I live, the OSU ATI campus, which seems to be reputable and has a sustainable agriculture program. The cost is a bit high but I can afford it. I imagine it would allow me to network and, I hope, do some actual farming. If there's no better way to get started for someone like me, then I might go through with it.

If I were in your position I would get a job with a farmer who understands what you are talking about.
Over time you will gain the knowledge and credibility to talk to farmers in the future.
I am a Civil Engineer and in my 20's I worked on a mixed farm for a time, and later my career took me back to farms as a Civil Engineer dealing with water pollution.
My experience as a farm worker helped a lot when trying to convince crusty farmers to change their ways.

John C Daley wrote:If I were in your position I would get a job with a farmer who understands what you are talking about.
Over time you will gain the knowledge and credibility to talk to farmers in the future.
I am a Civil Engineer and in my 20's I worked on a mixed farm for a time, and later my career took me back to farms as a Civil Engineer dealing with water pollution.
My experience as a farm worker helped a lot when trying to convince crusty farmers to change their ways.

That's a good idea, I have seen job postings for a farmhand that requires no experience. Only I doubt I could find one nearby, as there are only generic corn farms. But even traveling a ways wouldn't be a problem.

Hi Nate,

You may be surprised.  I have encountered several large farmers trying to engage in more progressive approaches.  No that does not mean they have turned their backs on big ag, but they do recognize some of the problems we do ..erosion, chemical dangers, cost control, etc.  Besides, they can teach you numerous skills you will need is you try to commercially farm in the future .. equipment repair and maintenance, marketing, etc.

Yeah they aren't going to listen to you. I do talk to farmers and what I've been told is, "Would love to see that work". I think that's the key. They're not going to go on your word here when they have $300,000 tractors they're making payments on. They need to see this working. Costing less. Being easier. If they don't see it, they won't believe it.

Read through Dr Redhawk's epic soil series by clicking this link. Some of his other threads also discuss how he helped farmers convert.

What area of the country are you in? I can add this to your regional forum to help connect with farmers in your area.

I think what you suggest is feasible, necessary even, but not easy. Like Elle said, someone with huge farm expenses needs to see results before they will be willing to make any large changes to "the way we've always done it."

Hello Nate. I have a 100 acre farm in Westmoreland county. We have a cow calf operation. Pastured pigs and chickens. I am looking for help on my farm. I would be willing to teach you what I know. Please reach out.