Organic farming mentors?

[tri31]

Hi everyone. I am here humbly asking for guidance, if any of you should smile upon my request. I am 36 and pregnant with my fifth child. This is an odd point in my life to decide what I would like to do with my life, but here I am, asking for resources in learning to farm.I have been gardening for the last three years, but that is my only experience. I am fortunate to live close to Cornell which actually has classes geared to aspiring farmers. However this program is very poplular and I don't expect to get a spot in the upcoming 2012 classes. In the meantime, I am looking for books, or what have you. Baby steps are perfect! I feel that volunteering on an organic farm would be ideal. If anyone has advice to share with me, I am most grateful for the help.

[kitchensqueen]

I too am finally coming to the realization that small scale agriculture is what I want to do with my life. I have been building up a library and recommend the following volumes - 

The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman

Backyard Market Gardening by Andrew Lee

Making Your Small Farm Profitable by Ron Macher

Successful Small Scale Farming by Karl Schwenke

Micro Eco Farming by Barbara Adams

There's a great program called Farm Beginnings that you should check out. You said you're near Cornell, and they do have a branch of this program in New York state - no idea if it's close to you at all, but it could be a good starting point for you. 

And just to start getting a basic level of experience, try to find a working CSA share with a local farm - you get a weekly box of produce in exchange for helping out on the farm or at a farmer's market. Not all farmers offer them, but many do so it's worth asking, and it would be a great way for you to get your toes wet. If you're able to go a step further, you should also look into farm internships after your pregnancy/newborn months are over. 

[esg]

This would be a dream of mine. I've been interested in farming for the longest time but never got off my butt to learn anything. I'm going to be checking into these resources mentioned. I wish I was near some of these places but it definitely gives me something to look into.