You don’t have to grow up on a farm to become a farmer. And you don’t need to be at the beginning of your career life to think about farming. As farmers retire across Ontario, we need new generations (of all ages) who are ready to steward farmland and feed our communities. Visit this News item for more information on how the future could look for the agriculture industry and the system it feeds.
Read on to find opportunities for all ages to explore farming!
If you are 21 years of age or younger, joining a 4-H Club is a great way to gain hands-on experience in agriculture. These clubs offer programs in livestock and other types of production. For more information, you can visit the 4-H Ontario website and then connect with local clubs like the Peterborough County 4-H Association to see what clubs are running in your area.
Find out if there are organizations in your area offering farm tours (such as Farms at Work). Touring a variety of farms can help you to understand the breadth of choices available when entering agriculture. Think about what attracts you. Growing things? Taking care of livestock?
Practical experience is invaluable as it provides insight into the day-to-day operations of a farm. Find jobs through your local employment centres or online through, for example, FoodWork.ca
If you are in high school, find out if there is a High Skills Major program available for Grades 11 and 12 at a high school in your region. Visit this Ontario website to find out more: https://www.ontario.ca/page/specialist-high-skills-major
Engage with farmers at local farmers’ markets. Farmers can offer advice, share their experiences, and possibly provide opportunities to work on their farms.
Each March, the East Central Farm Show in Lindsay is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest in farming technology and practices. Farm shows of different types occur across the province every year. Networking with industry professionals can open doors to future opportunities.
A variety of organizations across the province offer workshops, both online and in person. Visit Ontario New Farmer to find an organization in your region. Farms at Work covers all of east central Ontario. Sign up for newsletters of organizations focussing on areas that interest you – from commodity organizations to those promoting types of production. There are also online courses and videos available if you know what type of information you are looking for. In east central Ontario, sign up for Farms at Work’s newsletter here!
The University of Guelph is renowned for its agricultural programs. They offer multiple degrees in agriculture, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs. For a comprehensive list of their programs, visit their website.
Durham College offers a Food and Farming program designed to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge in modern agricultural practices.
Trent University provides a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program focused on sustainable practices and food systems.
Loyalist College offers a Horticulture Technician Pre-Apprenticeship program for those interested in specializing in horticulture.
Apprenticeship Programs: There are four agricultural apprenticeship programs available (Dairy Herdsperson, Fruit Grower, Swine Herdsperson, Agricultural Equipment Technician Red Seal). More details can be found on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.
Financial Supports for the Trades: Ontario offers loans and grants to help apprentices and sponsors. Check the available financial supports for more details.
“Level-Up” Skilled Trades Open Houses: Attend one of these annual events for a closer look at the opportunities in skilled trades. More information is available here.
Head back to the Resources for New Farmers section of our website and continue to explore! We have a complete breakdown of How to Start Your Farm Business, as well as land access opportunities through FindFarmland.ca and our Peterborough Community Farm.
