Read read read!

This forum, any of the forums related to the plants you grow now or want to, (nearly every single post for a few days!) the Elliot Coleman books on organic and sustainable farming, etc. etc. The net & your library are your best choices to begin with. You might also check out growingformarket.com, a monthly newsletter published (fee based) and sent to you each month, covering all aspects of growing things (food & flowers) for local farmers markets.

An ag degree wouldn't hurt, but it's not necessarily necessary. What's most necessary is your own research and reading. (COPIOUS AMOUNTS!!!!) And then, the doing. If you're already growing some things, somehow, on the property you do have, what are you doing with the harvest? Canning it? Giving it away? Selling it to friends/restaurants/ caterers?

Take that experience one step further. Contact the local farmers markets nearest you, find out what their rules and regs are, and see if you can sell there, even w/ small quantities. Read the response to my newbie questions here on the first page, a few posts below this one. You'll also need to check into whatever rules and regs the State of California has regarding selling fruits and vegetables.

When you first planted your first seed or fruit tree, you'd never done it before. Now you have, you are somewhat to very accomplished, just step out into the world and take the next step(s). READ READ READ.

If you're not tied to your location because of a "real" job, then start searching the real estate ads for some kind of property that isn't astronomically priced, and see what kind of loans/financing might be available. Even in this economy, some people still need to sell, and some loans are still being made. Maybe somebody in Central CA has a family nursery or farm they can't manage anymore. (or a rundown drive in theater, or used car lot, something!) Maybe you'll find something so trashy it needs to be bulldozed, but the land is good, cheap(er), and something good could come from it.

Transpose the question you asked to: "How do I become I brain surgeon?" or, "How do I become a rocket scientist?"

We-llllll. Duh! (excuse me!), but you'd study your head off and go through rigorous training, and put in ENORMOUS hours of hard work. The same is true for farming. It will not happen fast, easy, or with a snap of your fingers. BUT, if you want it bad enough, and work hard enough, and search out land opportunities (or just make do w/ what you have til you can afford more), then your heart will soar, you'll be motivated, your enthusiasm will show, you'll make your own opportunities and you'll wake up one day and realize you really are a farmer!

susiq, queen of the incredibly long sentences!

get a job on the kind of market farm you want to run as that is the best and fastest way to learn (books are great but no substitute for hands on experience.

An ag degree will not help with a loan. A good business plan will.

The reality of farming is the hours are long and the pay is very low so if you can figure out a way to start a farm without going into debt you will be ahead of the game. Otherwise you will be spending about 99% of your income on your farm and mortgage which is alright if you can gross a couple million plus dollars every year (which isn't possible on small acarage unless you are growing something illegal).

I got into farming because I rented a farmhouse on a lot of land and over the years the market garden got bigger and bigger as did my skill in growing and marketing. After 10 years of selling via farmers markets, CSA's, to restaurants, etc., I was in a position to buy land and did so in the same area so I would be able to keep my growing customer base.

Buying land takes a lot of money, even when it's not CA. Is there any farm land left in Ventura Co? Is there any bare land left there?

If you've got your own place right now, consider renting land with water. Try to find a place as close to home as possible. One kind of place would be a homeowner who has extra land that is a nuisance to him/her to keep mowed for fire prevention. Devise a contract (or find an existing one) for a specific amount of time that promises you will keep the fire hazards down, and the homeowner gets free vegies and fruits, and you pay a nominal amount for rent and water (MUST have water included). Land prices being what they are in CA, I wouldn't get into permanent plantings like trees on rented land, or you might find the property sold out from under you, trees and all.

Find about all local regulations before you sign a contract for land. Don't find out too late that what you want to do is illegal.

Read Joel Salatin's books. Subscribe to Acres USA magazine, and check out their book list.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Acres USA magazine

Brendan, I started farming in 1974 with nothing. I traded my college education fund for a line of new and used farm machinery and rented land. Back then I was 19 years old and very idealistic. I got my education from reading farm magazines. I have made a living from farming for the last 34 years. It comes down to this, you either have farming in your blood or you don't. Unfortunately there is no blood test to tell if you qualify... Goodluck you will need it... Bob.

I have compiled a list of helpful resources here: http://www.beginningfarmers.org/planning-a-new-farm/, and beginning farmers offers a lot of resources that may be helpful for financing, finding land, business planning and more. The site is not for profit

Here is a link that might be useful: Beginning Farmers