Unlock Your Farming Potential with These 5 Free Courses
Written on
Chapter 1: A New Era in Farming
Farming is facing significant challenges today. Reports of dwindling subsidies, corporate competition, and poor conditions for both workers and livestock abound. In parallel, we are inundated with narratives of despair, burnout, and unfulfilling lives spent in dreary office spaces. Recognizing the industry's vital role, governments are increasingly leaning towards supportive, human-centric approaches rather than purely capitalistic ones. This shift has prompted many to abandon their conventional lifestyles for a more fulfilling connection with nature and agriculture. But how does one embark on this journey?
If this resonates with you, continue reading to kickstart your path as a grower.
Section 1.1: How to Begin Your Farming Journey
How To Start a Farm — The Dutch Farmer
Moreno, known as The Dutch Farmer, once identified as merely a city dweller bound by the clock and calendar. However, in 2013, he made a life-changing decision to become a mandarin picker in New Zealand. Fast forward ten years, and he is now a successful homesteader in Portugal. His inspiring journey is well-documented on his blog, which might just encourage you to take the plunge yourself. For comprehensive guidance, tips, and tutorials, visit his YouTube channel. His playlist on starting a farm is filled with valuable insights on topics such as No Dig Beds, Cost Minimization, and Market Gardening.
A detailed step-by-step guide to starting a small farm.
STEMsational Ag: The Virtual Farm — Middle Tennessee State University
Educating future generations about sustainable practices is crucial. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers the 'STEMsational' initiative, aimed at engaging youth in agricultural education. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program empowers children to take control of their food management. Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the curriculum introduces STEM subjects related to food production and preservation through interactive activities that don’t require prior knowledge from educators or parents. The course covers various aspects, including understanding livestock, gardening, beekeeping, and food storage, and will be available until October 2025. Enroll now.
Section 1.2: Resources for Aspiring Farmers
Plan Your Farm — Cornell Small Farms Program
Established in 1865 by Senator Ezra Cornell, Cornell University has been a leader in agricultural research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) has a proud history, including numerous World Food Prize Laureates. In 2001, CALS launched the Cornell Small Farms Program to support the development of small farms through education and research, aiming to revitalize communities and enhance ecological sustainability. Their extensive course catalogue offers a blend of free and paid options. If you're seeking a comprehensive introduction, the 50+ module "Plan Your Farm" course is the perfect starting point.
Microgreens — Josh Sattin Farming
Formerly the owner of Sattin Hill Farm in North Carolina, Josh Sattin now shares his farming expertise through his YouTube channel. Although he's moved on to new ventures, his channel is filled with tutorials on diverse topics essential for starting a farming business, including composting, harvesting, and selling to markets. Among the many classes, his Microgreens course stands out as beginner-friendly, guiding you from a professional setup to a simple Tupperware approach. Click through to watch.
A beginner's guide to growing microgreens for profit.
Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production — Swayam
Swayam, an initiative by the Ministry of Education of India and President Pranab Mukherjee, aims to provide accessible education through a vast catalogue of over 2000 courses from Year 9 to postgraduate levels. Their eight-week course on Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production is offered in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and is taught by Professor Dillip Kumar Swain. Sign up to expand your knowledge or watch it on YouTube.
Chapter 2: Begin Your Farming Adventure
We hope these resources inspire you to embark on your farming journey. May your crops flourish and your knowledge expand. Happy learning!