Why do I say that? First and foremost, I think farming teaches responsibility. Not everyone will be able to raise larger livestock like cows, but most folks can find something to farm. Whether it is planting a small garden in raised beds in the middle of the city (yes that’s possible and easy to do), or fencing in a couple acres and raising milk goats, you can find a way to farm something. Don’t let the circumstances stand in your way. When you plant a garden, or get some laying hens or buy a cow, you will learn responsibility because it is up to you to take care of your investment. You also learn to plan ahead. You study the seasons, growing times, and are suddenly more interested in the weather (rain is a good thing). Children learn a lot about responsibility on a farm. My daughter wanted a rabbit for Christmas last year, and I was reluctant to get one because we are not in to having “pets.” If we bring animals home, they need to produce something (yes we have a dog, but the dog hunts squirrels). I made it clear to her, if we get this rabbit, you must take care of it; daddy will not be responsible for your “pet.” She did remind me you can eat rabbits – good point. We did get the rabbit, but only after she wrote a detailed essay on why she wanted the rabbit and how she would take of it. Since Christmas, she has learned daddy meant what he said, and she has stepped up and shown responsibility and the rabbit is doing just fine.
So if you think farming is for you, then I encourage you to just get started, but start small. Feel free to contact me, and I will be glad to offer some suggestions.