Farmers

Most people who become farmers have grown up on farms; if your family doesn't own a farm, there are opportunities for part-time work as a hired hand, especially during seasonal operations. If you live in an agricultural community, you should be able to find work as a detasseler in the summer time. Although the work is hot and strenuous, it will quickly familiarize you with aspects of crop production and the hard work it takes to operate a farm.

In addition, organizations such as the National 4-H Council (http://4-h.org) and the National FFA Organization (http://www.ffa.org) offer good opportunities for learning about, visiting, and participating in farming activities. The National FFA Organization, which is open to students aged 12 to 21 who are enrolled in agricultural programs, offers a wide variety of activities, including career-development programs. Agricultural colleges often have their own farms where students can gain actual experience in farm operations in addition to classroom work.

If you are between the ages of five and 22, you might also want to join the National Junior Horticulture Association, which offers horticulture-related projects, contests, and other activities, as well as career information. Visit http://www.njha.org for more information.

The National FFA Organization provides videos that allow you to see interview with farmers and other agriculture professionals and otherwise learn about farming. Visit https://www.ffa.org/ffa-video-center to view the videos.

If you’re still not sure if you want to become a farmer or work in another agricultural career, consider using the AGExplorer Career Finder (https://agexplorer.ffa.org). In this quiz, you answer a series of questions about your likes and dislikes. Based on your answers, you’ll be matched with several agricultural occupations that are a good fit for your career goals, personality, and interests.