Where are all the young farmers?

Hello! Lena here, staff writer at Modern Farmer.

In my circle of friends, there are a number of people who farm. And having eaten the literal fruits of their labor, I feel qualified to say they are very good at it!

But they also aren’t running their own farms. The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed the average age of farmers in the U.S. has risen to 58 years old. And the average age of new or beginning farmers is 47.

Where are all the young farmers?

This week, we have a round-up of stories looking at the barriers young people face when trying to get into farming, and exploring how some of them are finding innovative ways to overcome them. In this series:

• You’ll learn about some of the key obstacles that young people face trying to get into farming.

• You’ll encounter a great list of resources for new, young, prospective farmers. 

• You’ll read about Jacob Beaton of Tea Creek, who is teaching Indigenous youth how to grow their own food.

• You’ll meet three first-year farmers learning as they go at Friends Farm in Colorado.

• You’ll hear from the young people using 4-H to build their skills as agriculturalists.

Explore the Series: The Future is Young Farmers

Fresh from the farm

One more thing. Recently on Instagram, we asked you to tag young farmers who excited and inspire you. And oh boy did folks come through. Check out the post to see the list, get inspired, or add your own.

Weekly Action | Know a young person who might benefit from a 4-H education? Find a program near you.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!

~ LB