Starting a farm sounds like a dream to many people—especially here in Texas, where wide-open land and strong local food movements draw everyone from suburban families to second-career professionals. But how do you actually get started?
Before you invest in land, tools, or livestock, here’s what you should know—and how real Texas farmers can help you explore the lifestyle before you take the leap.
🚜 Why People Want to Farm (and Why Many Don’t)
There are a lot of reasons people consider farming:
- Wanting more independence or self-reliance
- Passion for animals or growing food
- Frustration with industrial food systems
- A desire to raise kids with rural values
- Retirement or second-career transitions
But the reality is: farming is hard work, and it’s not always profitable. According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, over half of U.S. farms report negative net farm income. Many survive by diversifying—off-farm jobs, agritourism, product sales, workshops, and more.
That’s not to scare you off. It’s just the truth. Most successful farmers didn’t start with a perfect business plan—they started with curiosity, trial and error, and a community to learn from.
🧠 What You Can Learn From Real Farmers (That You Won’t Find on YouTube)
There’s plenty of free information online, from Extension services to YouTube channels. But spending real time on a working farm will show you:
- What daily routines actually look like
- What kind of labor is involved (especially in heat or cold)
- How finances and logistics shape decisions
- What mistakes beginners tend to make
- How farmers make income beyond crops or animals
No video can replace the value of standing in a field and asking your questions to someone who's really doing it—especially in Texas soil, with Texas weather, and Texas regulations.
🌿 Options for Getting Your Hands Dirty
If you're serious about exploring farm life, start with a small, low-stakes step. A few ideas:
🧑🌾 Private Farm Consults
Some of our hosts offer one-on-one sessions for aspiring farmers. Think of it like personalized coaching—ask anything, tour the setup, and leave with real answers.
👉 Thinking about adding poultry to your small farm or homestead? Book a hands-on chicken consultation in North Texas—learn coop setup, flock care, and local regulations from experienced farmers, one-on-one.
🪴 Hands-On Workshops
From hydroponics to composting to goat care, these short classes give you real skills and insights into what farming might involve—without committing to the whole package.
👉 Interested in starting a small-scale farm or food business? This Houston-based class covers how to grow and sell microgreens for chefs, markets, and your local community—ideal for aspiring producers exploring low-footprint, high-value crops.
👉 Looking to grow mushrooms commercially or on a small farm? This Dallas workshop offers real-world insights for future producers—covering essential techniques for indoor cultivation in a scalable, urban setting.
🧺 Volunteer Days and Work Shares
Some farms occasionally host volunteer days or work exchanges. These are great ways to feel the rhythm of farm life without long-term commitments. If you're interested in being notified, join our list and note that you are interested in learning how to farm.
🔍 Still Exploring? Join Our Waitlist
We're working on building more opportunities for aspiring farmers—workshops, farm tours, and seasonal group classes that cover:
- How to plan a farm business
- What tools and infrastructure you really need
- Common legal and financial pitfalls
- Different models: homesteading, CSA, agritourism, and more
👋 Want to be notified when we launch something near you?
Join the Waitlist - use the Other field to note you are wanting to farm and any details about the type of farming you're wanting to do
💬 What Farmers Want You to Know
Here’s what a few of our farm partners have said when asked what they'd tell aspiring farmers:
"Number 1: Get Started. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or funding. Whether it’s planting a test plot or experimenting with new tools, momentum builds opportunity. Action breeds clarity."
— Resources from farmers at Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers Community Based Organization
"Beekeeping is great for people who want to be working with animals and want something that is challenging and rewarding and unique. But it's hard. You need to plan ahead: Step 1 is to start shopping nucleus colonies from local beekeepers before the season starts."
— Professional beekeeper, North Texas
"Farming’s not just about plants and animals—it’s about spreadsheets, insurance, plumbing, and marketing."
— Urban microgreen grower, Houston
🤠 Start Smart. Learn Local.
We believe the best way to learn about farming is to spend time with people who are living it. Whether you’re dreaming about a backyard homestead or a full-time rural operation, we’re here to help you explore, ask questions, and find your path.
