Move over big agriculture, there’s a new (old) farmer in town!
Farming is hot and farmers are cool! Who would’ve thought twenty years ago that farming would be fashionable? When I was in college (yes, I’m dating myself I know) one of my dorm mates was majoring in horticulture and agriculture and it seemed so obscure to me at the time. It made sense for her having grown up on a farm and as she put it “being a hick” and all but there was no way that farming was going to compete with computer science and at the time, I was completely unaware of how closely it tied to my own discipline.
Nowadays, with more insight into farming practices and how they impact the food we eat, we’re becoming more selective in our food choices. Specifically, we want to know where and how food is grown and what happens after. Organic farming in particular has exploded. On May 15th, an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal indicating that “organic farming is not sustainable“. Here’s a great response to that article by the Cornucopia Institute.
Many young college grads and professionals are forgoing the rat race in pursuit of a more bucolic, rustic life on the farm. Don’t be fooled though, this lifestyle is anything but “less work”. It is however a different kind of work; a lifestyle that keeps you fit and healthy and connected to the earth. In recent history, big agriculture took the place of small, family run farms. However, we seem to be reverting to our original small scale farming efforts in favor of better quality and in hopes to preserve our land for generations to come. Interested in becoming a farmer? Check out this great site, sustainable-live-work-play.
