New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service is giving us a better understanding of where beginning U.S. farmers are setting up their operations.
The ERS found beginning farmers are concentrated in southern and western states. In states like California and Texas, there are some counties where beginning farmers account for a third of all operations. New farms total around 17 percent of all farms in the country, holding eight percent of total Ag production.
A new program in Illinois is focusing on young farmers in hopes of helping them gain access to land for the first time.
‘Farm Link’ helps connect people with current landowners. The creator of the program, ‘Land Connection’ says it will allow both sides to find each other by sharing comprehensive profiles. It will also provide educational opportunities such as training and data access.
A survey by the National Young Farmers Coalition shows nearly 60 percent of beginning farmers cite finding land as their number one challenge.
Story via AgriMarketing
