young farmers

There are many challenges before the ranching community, but one that doesn’t get much of the attention, according to Oregon FFA President Alex Wise, is the average age of today’s producer.

Farm Credit System Institutions made more than 150,000 loans to young, beginning, and small U.S. producers in 2024.

There is still time to apply to the Beginning Farmer Institute from the National Farmers Union. The registration deadline has been extended to July 15th.

The National Farmers Union concluded the 2025 All-States Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., and released the names of the newly elected members who will serve on the National Youth Advisory Council.   “NFU is proud to welcome the next generation of farmers and policy leaders to Washington, D.C., a prog...

By American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall   These days, it seems we’re hearing more and more talk about “big ag.” While the words are tossed out freely, it’s not clear whether the idea is to paint farming as a “big” industry or to slap a corporate label on family farms. In my travels as American Farm Bureau p...

Data shows that American farmers and ranchers are getting older.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall discussed this issue, as well as ways to address the problem, with the Senate Special Committee on Aging.   “According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, nearly 40% of all farmers are now beyond the retirement age, yet only 8% of farmers are under the age of 35," Duvall told la

American Farmland Trust announced the disbursement of over $700,000 to 139 farmers across the United States through this year’s Brighter Future Fund.  Over 50% of those awarded identified as beginning farmers, with 30% being under 34 years of age. And over ...

Farm Credit System institutions made almost 133,000 loans to young, beginning, or small U.S. producers in 2023, delivering on their critical mission to support rural communities and agriculture.  A new Farm Credit Administration Report underscores Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural producers through strategic lending and support initiatives.   “Suppo...

For years, pundits and so-called experts have forecasted the demise of the American Ag industry.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said from where he sits, the future of agriculture is very promising.   “I think the future is bright because the young people I'm in front of are excited, they're energetic, they're passionate and they're really ready to be on farm do all the work. And my c

The American Farm Bureau Federation and Agriculture Future of America signed a memorandum of understanding during the 2023 AFBF convention earlier this month.  The agreement launches a collaborative effort between AFBF and AFA to drive engagement among their constituents and further the missions of both organizations.  Mark St...