Not surprisingly, the American Farm Bureau Annual Outlook Survey reveals land access as a big concern for young farmers.
From the Des Moines Register:
Young farmers say their biggest concern is securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock, according to a survey announced this week by the nation’s largest farm group.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual outlook survey of participants in its Young Farmers & Ranchers program found 22 percent of respondents were concerned about land availability followed by economic challenges, such as profitability, which was identified by 15 percent of the respondents. Another 12 percent identified “burdensome” government regulations and red tape as their top concern.
“For young people today, securing adequate land to begin farming or expand an existing farm or ranch is a major challenge,” said Jake Carter, AFBF’s national YF&R Committee chair.
The informal survey of young farmers and ranchers, ages 18-35, was conducted at the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher leadership conference in February. The farm group did not specify how many people responded to the poll.
The 22nd annual survey also found more than 91 percent considered themselves lifetime farmers, while 88 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps.
