Paul Rusnak
Now before everyone starts to stockpile canned goods and fuel, let’s put this study in perspective. The article, which appeared in a recent issue of Rangelands (the official publication of the Society for Range Management), focused squarely on trends regarding Wyoming’s aging agriculture landscape. Poring through decades of census and employment data, the authors were able to come up with the sobering conclusion: no operators younger than 35 by 2033 and an average age of 60 by 2050.
Such a prediction scoffs at the very core of the GenNext Growers initiative.
Trends Vs. Trendy
But this is just a Wyoming thing, right? No, not really. The study’s authors show those same trends are occurring throughout the U.S. The study counters the GenNext factor by indicating that even if your children and their children have an interest in keeping the family business alive, they most likely won’t be able to afford the endeavor, forced to sell the land and equipment to get out from under.
As expected, when we posted the news item about this study, it sparked a flurry of reader comments. Click here to see all the banter and/or to submit a comment yourself.
Interestingly enough, a few days after that study dropped, I spotted an article on NPR.org titled: “A Young Generation Sees Greener Pastures In Agriculture.” This sounds like quite a contrast to the Rangelands piece, right? Yes and no. The article focuses on the cultural shift toward valuing agriculture, which is great, but to what extent? Treating farming as a hip hobby isn’t going to feed and clothe the masses.
There was one mention in the NPR article that did jibe with the Rangelands report. In some parts of the country, farmland value is at a premium. Florida farmland is in hot demand now (as you well know). Expense is a common barrier to entry for most individuals, especially the younger set. It’s doubtful cost of living will stop climbing anytime soon.
In It For The Long Haul
It’s difficult (at best) to know what’s going to happen next week, let alone over the course of 18 years. But in this case, we can’t afford to speculate.
♦ Agriculture Among Top Paying College Degrees Of 2015 ♦
Be proactive in encouraging today’s young growers to get more involved in the industry. This will prepare them for future leadership posts. Another action item should be for current GenNexters to embrace the challenge ahead, which will serve as an example for those who follow them. Just think of the fresh ideas coming to the table.
Perhaps 2033 (give or take a few years) will be the beginning of the end for farming as we know it. Or, it could be the start of something really good.