Preparing the next generation of farmers
USDA is progressing on its new commitments to help build up the farmers of tomorrow.
Published on: Jan 25, 201
FAQ: What is USDA doing to encourage and help prepare more young people to get started in farming and in ag-related careers?
Answer: U.S. Ag Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden this past fall announced a commitment by USDA to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also announced a new, tailored Web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.
“That announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge, has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future,” said Harden. “No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.”
NEW FARMERS NEEDED: The average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows almost 10% of farmland in the continental U.S. will change hands in the next five years. Theres no time to lose in getting more new farmers established.
NEW FARMERS NEEDED: The average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows almost 10% of farmland in the continental U.S. will change hands in the next five years. There’s no time to lose in getting more new farmers established.
New website designed for beginning farmers
The new web tool is available at usda.gov/newfarmers. The site was designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country, who cited unfamiliarity with programs and resources as a challenge to starting and expanding their operations. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner.
By answering a series of questions about their operation, farmers can use the site’s Discovery Tool to build a personalized set of recommendations, USDA programs and services to meet their needs.
Using the new web tool and other outreach activities, and operating within its existing resources, USDA has set a new goal of increasing beginning farmer and rancher participation by an additional 6.6% across key USDA programs, which were established or strengthened by the 2014 Farm Bill, for a total investment value of approximately $5.6 billion.
Quarterly updates on progress in meeting goal
Programs were targeted for expanded outreach and commitment based on their impact on expanding opportunity for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, including starting or expanding an operation, developing new markets, supporting more effective farming and conservation practices, and having access to relevant training and education opportunities.
USDA will provide quarterly updates on progress toward meeting its goal. A full explanation of the investment targets, benchmarks and outcomes is at BFR-Commitment-Factsheet.
Deputy Secretary Harden made the announcements during remarks to more than 60,000 attendees at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The National FFA Organization is the largest youth organization in the United States, and focuses on preparing students for a wide range of careers in agriculture, agribusiness and other agriculture-related occupations.
Average age of American farmer exceeds 58 years
As the average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows that almost 10% of farmland in the continental U.S. will change hands in the next five years, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established.
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