While not as dominant an industry as it once was, agriculture remains fundamental to the overall health and success of the economy. To put it mildly, successful agriculture is why citizens in this country, and around the world, continue to have food to eat.

For individuals from all backgrounds, working in the agriculture industry offers novel possibilities and opportunities for success. Working in agriculture is a unique profession, and new sub-industries — like hydroponics, hemp, and other fields — offer lucrative possibilities for advancement.

If you’re thinking of getting into agricultural work, here are three things worth considering.

1. Know Your Niche Before Starting

People from all walks of life can have success in the agriculture industry, but there is a steep learning curve. It helps to have some farming or other related experience before starting your own business. For many agricultural businesses, margins are tight, and investments and other business choices must be made prudently.

Before starting, you should have a clear plan for your agricultural business. Understand what you’ll need in terms of equipment and inventory, and where you’ll sell your product. Know what average prices are like, whether locally or nationally, wherever applicable.

2. Talk To Experienced Farmers

There are few better ways to know what you need for success in agriculture than by talking to experienced farmers and other professionals. The wealth of knowledge they have is invaluable, and they can give you tips on issues you might never have considered. They can speak about seasonal changes, weather patterns, qualities of different crops, issues of land sites, market conditions, and much more. As you progress in your business, they can also be essential resources to draw on in the future.

3. Be Careful With Funding

While borrowing money is most likely essential to your long-term success in the agriculture industry, it must be done prudently. It can take some time to make a profit, and slipping deeper into debt than is ideal at the beginning of a new venture can doom your long-term business prospects.

Whether you’re considering USDA loans, typical bank loans, private loans, or other methods of borrowing, you want to have a clear understanding of how you can repay, and avoid borrowing an unsustainable amount of funds. Few things can be as damaging in the long term.

Ultimately, agriculture is an exciting and unique field. While it takes some getting used to, the tips above can help set you up for future success.