A recent study conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) during the 2024 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference revealed that 70% of participating FFA members would like to farm in the future. Nearly 48% of the study’s participants indicated start-up costs as the primary obstacle to new and beginning farmers, an 8% increase from last year.
“Costs are certainly a hurdle for new and beginning farmers, especially if you don’t have family that are already established farmers,” says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director.
The Big Picture
CSIF promotes the responsible growth of Iowa’s livestock industry in particular. Recently, its team members have been working to bridge the gap between retiring farmers and young farmers by facilitating mutually beneficial arrangements like leasing equipment and land.
“It’s no secret the younger generation needs to come back to the farm to relieve the older generation,” Waddingham says. “There needs to be more dialogue between the younger and older generations. We need to see the bigger picture and provide opportunities for young people to come back, help take over and raise livestock and crops for future generations.”
CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham addresses attendees of the 2024 Iowa Leadership Conference (also pictured above).
Amy Ewing, an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Murray High School in Iowa, says her students are concerned about finding jobs, so she encourages them to consider the multitude of jobs within the agriculture industry, such as marketing or accounting. “If you want to find a way, there are people willing to help you,” she says.
For those interested in the production side of agriculture, Waddingham says purchasing and raising livestock is a great avenue for young and beginning farmers because the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has some loan options available. “We are starting to see a little more optimism again in the livestock industry,” he adds.
The Future of Farming
To ensure a sustainable agricultural future, CSIF collaborates with community colleges and hosts events like the Farming for the Future conference in November, which connects young farmers with opportunities in the industry.
“It’s a great opportunity to network and hear stories from other farmers,” Waddingham says.
To help her students, Ewing takes them to career fairs, including an Iowa fair concentrated on women in agriculture. She also invites guest speakers to explain job opportunities to her classes.
“So many of us in agriculture and farming want to see [young people] succeed and the industry continue,” Ewing says. “We’re willing to put in the effort if someone else is willing to put in the effort, too.”
Pave Your Path in Production Agriculture
Attending the New Century Farmer conference can help you gain skills, resources and connections that will take your operation to the next level. This event is sponsored by corporate partners Bunge, Corteva Agriscience, Case IH, John Deere, Farm Credit and Firestone Ag.
