Organic Farmers

High School

While in high school, take classes in business, math, earth science, ecology, agriculture (if offered), biology, English, and computers. Foreign language classes can also be useful, as can participation in 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs.

Postsecondary Training

Self-employed farmers may have received their training while on the job, either from growing up in a farm family, or through adult on-the-job training, continuing education courses, and programs in agriculture. An increasing number of farmers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in agriculture, which is becoming more important in the business of operating a farm. Degrees can be in farm management or in business with a concentration in agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, all states have a land-grant college or university with a school of agriculture. Students pursuing an agriculture degree typically take classes in agronomy, dairy science, agricultural economics and business, horticulture, crop and fruit science, and animal science. They may also study technical aspects of crops, growing conditions, and plant diseases. If interested in organic dairy farming, course work may include the basics of veterinary science and animal husbandry (which is the care and breeding of farm animals). Other key courses include climate change, the impact of farming on the environment, economic policy (as it relates to farming and farmland), as well as business management and accounting. Computer classes are also relevant as more farming businesses are using computer software programs for record keeping and document production. Many farms offer internships and apprenticeships, in which students can train while on the job, and earn school credit and possibly a small stipend in exchange for their work.