There is an interesting article to read on TheConversation.com

America’s farmers are getting older, and young people aren’t rushing to join them

“The average American farmer is 57 and a half years old, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s up sharply from 1978, when the figure was just a smidge over 50.” 

Some of the findings contained in this article include:

• Geographically this aging trend is fairly consistent across the country
• There are significant barriers to young people entering the farming life – especially the cost of entry – land, equipment, etc. (Not only the lack of money but the current high cost of borrowing the money)
• Stress! Agriculture is a stressful life (rain, drought, disease, commodity pricing)

In short, we need access to programs that encourage the younger generations to become farmers. I have seen firsthand how the removal of trade education in local high schools has decimated the auto repair business. When I left the auto repair business a decade ago there was a shortage of over 365,000 trained automotive technicians. The industry still has not caught up with the demand.

If we sit by and do nothing we will soon experience a similar shortage of farmers.

“The USDA already has programs to aid new farmers, as well as farmers of color and female farmers, and those who operate small farms. Expanding these programs’ reach and impact could help bring new talent into the field.

Congress could do just that when it reauthorizes the farm bill – a package of laws covering a wide range of food – and agriculture-related programs that get passed roughly every five years.”

The clock is ticking and Congress still has not passed the 2023 Farm Bill and I would not “bet the farm” that we will see action in the coming weeks.