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.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
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Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
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President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
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Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
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Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
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