Each year, the average age of the American farmer gets older, with fewer young folks entering the profession.
Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall has some advice for those considering a career in rural America.
“My advice would be to go find a really good mentor, show him how dedicated you are to this industry and to his farm and ranch, and see if you can create a future for you there on a farm that might be available to you someday. And, of course, we all either started with our family or we started small, and people got to start small and build themselves up. And two, you have to make sure that you’re a business person to really make sure that you equip your farm for the bad times, because they’re going to come.”
Numbers out this month show getting a new, younger workforce onto U.S. farms is a big priority.
In their quarterly report, CoBank says that the workforce shortage is set to be a long-term problem for the U.S. economy. They place blame on an aging population and falling birth rates.
The group warns that the U.S. is poised to enter a long period of retiring workers who will outpace new workers, and they say it could be a permanent shift.
The average age of the current farmer is just under 60 years old. Economists say that these challenges will only add to issues facing agriculture, such as rising costs and lower prices.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.
February 25, 2026 11:24 AM
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According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
February 24, 2026 01:30 PM
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UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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