Not everyone can be a farmer. Simply knowing how to run a farm or even running a farm doesn’t necessarily make you a farmer either. You can dress like a farmer, act like a farmer, even sound like a farmer, but if you are doing any or all those things, does that really make you a farmer, or just some warped stereotypical or prejudiced view of what you think farmers really are? If you want to find out what it takes to be a true farmer, please read the following steps below.
1. Farming is a huge responsibility
You are in charge of all operations, sectors and enterprises that make up that farm, and have the responsibility to manage them accordingly. You are running a business.
2. Be knowledgeable in what your farm has to offer
Don’t rely on the misinformation and urban definitions or opinions of what crops to grow, how to raise livestock or basically run your farm. Rely on those who have the experience and real-life knowledge of farming and raising/growing livestock/crops to get the information and knowledge you need.
3. Be appreciative of what you have
As a farmer you become accustomed to working with what you have. Land is the biggest thing that any farmer or producer should be appreciative that they have and you cann’t be a true farmer without actually having land to grow plants and raise animals on.
4. Be intuitive and creative
A farmer doesn’t sit in a classroom or office all day doing the same, mundane things day after day. Intuitiveness often needs to be called upon when faced with a situation–unusual or not that requires you to use your problem-solving skills. Many, of not all, farmers are great problem solvers, for example able to figure out why a machine broke down unexpectedly.
5. Learn to be flexible and not be afraid to take a gamble
Farming is one of the most unstable jobs in the world, because not only does it ride on fluctuating economic markets, but the weather as well. Both are just as unpredictable as the other, and one or both could hail disaster or success for you and your farm.
6. Learn to learn every day
You will learn lots during the time you are choose to be a farmer. You have to learn from your mistakes and learn from the mistakes of others.
7. Farming involves hard work
Farming is not easy and not for everyone, certainly not for those who hate to work up a sweat, perform some form of physical labour, or even work with their hands.
8. Connect or network with other farmers and people involved in the agricultural industry that are not farmers themselves
Don’t expect to be much of a farmer if you can’t make connections. You can’t market your product or sell your livestock or crops if you can’t or don’t know how to communicate, network or talk with other people.
9. Love and be proud of what you do
As a farmer you are growing food for other people who cannot grow food for themselves due to time, living spaces, or life choices. You, unlike many other people, get to experience rural life at its fullest: the highs, the lows, and the hard work that goes along with it. In America, only 2% of the population are actively farming. As such, be proud of the fact that you are a part of the minority that get to provide food for others.
10. Expect to be a jack or jenny of all trades
You have to be a welder, a mechanic, an electrician, a chemist, a plumber, a construction builder, an accountant, a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, a marketer, and even a economist. Make sure you know which hats to put on given the situations that require them.
11. Use farm management software
Good organization is the key af a good business. To take complete control over all farming activites, you can use farm management software like Agrivi. Agrivi gives you knowledge base, weather forecast, weather alarms, reports, financial analysis, user support and thus makes your work more easier.
Be aware how farming is a way of life, not only a job. Farmers like to say it is more a calling than just a job. If you are wondering how to become a farmer and get a formal education, be sure to find more information in the article How to Become a Farmer and Start a Career in Agriculture.
Text sources: Open Colleges
