Aging farmers implications and solutions

By Blake Jackson

On National Farmers' Day, Americans honor the dedicated individuals who sustain our world with food and textiles. However, the agricultural labor force faces a pressing issue: aging. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average American farmer now clocks in at 57 and a half years old, a significant increase from just over 50 in 1978.

Researchers focusing on well-being in rural areas decided to investigate this trend and its potential ramifications. Their analysis revealed that the average age of farmers remains relatively consistent across the country, despite substantial variations in the age of the general population in different regions.

For instance, in Maine, the average farmer is only a few months older than the average farmer in Utah, even though the average resident of Maine is over a decade older than their counterpart in Utah. There are some localized disparities, such as New York County, where the average farmer is slightly over 31, compared to Hudson County, New Jersey, where the average farmer surpasses 72.

However, the overarching trend is an aging farming workforce. If the United States fails to attract new farmers or adapt to the declining number of older ones, it could potentially jeopardize the nation's food supply. The pertinent question arises: What has led to this situation?

Several barriers deter young people from entering the agricultural industry, especially those without the advantage of being born into multi-generational farming families. Acquiring land, equipment, and essential resources for farming requires substantial capital, which younger individuals often lack compared to their older counterparts.

Furthermore, young individuals from family farms might have fewer opportunities to take over these operations due to the ongoing consolidation within the agriculture sector. Even if they are presented with the chance, the demanding rural lifestyle may dissuade them, as they often find it more challenging than urban or suburban living.

Moreover, the agricultural sector's inherent stressors are a significant deterrent. Farmers frequently grapple with unpredictable weather, supply shortages, volatile markets, and various uncontrollable factors that can compound the stress of farming.

Therefore, addressing the aging farming population necessitates the creation of opportunities for younger individuals while also providing support to aging farmers. Fortunately, the USDA has initiated programs to assist new, minority, female, and small-scale farmers. Expanding the reach and impact of these programs can encourage fresh talent to enter the industry.

Congress can contribute to this endeavor when reauthorizing the farm bill, a comprehensive legislation package covering food and agriculture programs typically renewed every five years. The farm bill encompasses nutrition aid, telehealth services, and education and training for farmers, which could cater to the needs of both young and aging farmers. The Cooperative Extension Service, a component of the farm bill, offers diverse programs ranging from youth development and agricultural introduction to on-site technical assistance.

Although Congress missed the initial September 30, 2023, deadline to reauthorize the farm bill, a new deadline looms on December 31, with expectations that the process may extend into 2024 due to political challenges in the House of Representatives.

Simultaneously, the USDA plans to release the next Census of Agriculture in 2024, offering fresh insights into the nation's farming workforce. This anticipated update is likely to reveal a new record high for the average age of U.S. farmers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix