Precisely because so many people would like to farm, small-scale farming is a brutal economic environment. In that respect, it isn't terribly different from ac

Precisely because so many people would like to farm, small-scale farming is a brutal economic environment. In that respect, it isn't terribly different from academia -- people are doing it for love and the experience, not for money. Simulating the farming experience without the massive financial risk (and the back-breaking work/unforgiving hours) gives some of that joy without most of the downside. If you're willing to volunteer to cover night-time calving for cattle in snowstorms in February, you can probably get the real experience for free.