How Democrats Are Courting the Next Generation of Farmers
The average farmer is getting older, and every farm needs someone to take over eventually. Here is how Democrats say they would support new farmers, what critics argue, and what beginners can do now.
Why does everyone talk about the next generation?
Farm demographics are a recurring theme in policy. Many producers are nearing retirement, and the question is who will take their place and whether the land stays in farming. The Census of Agriculture reports on producer ages and new farmers, so check the latest figures at the source rather than trusting a number in a speech.
Supporters say that without help, young people cannot afford land, equipment or the first poor year. Critics say that policy is not the main barrier. Both views get a hearing below.
Policy aside, farm families have always handed down more than land. They pass down habits, relationships with neighbors and knowledge about a place. Supporters say programs should help that handoff instead of forcing sales to outside buyers.
What do Democrats propose for young and beginning farmers?
Supporters call for better loan terms and down payment help, student loan relief tied to farming careers, support for land access and succession planning, mentoring programs, and help for underserved groups. They also back funding for training, apprenticeships and extension programs.
Many of these run through FSA beginning farmer loans, NRCS conservation programs and USDA Rural Development. Read current descriptions at Farmers.gov to see what exists today before asking for something new.
Mentoring gets less attention than money but may matter more. A beginner paired with an experienced producer learns which mistakes cost the most, and that knowledge is hard to buy.
What do critics argue?
Critics respond that the biggest barriers are market prices, land costs and regulations, and that targeted programs can be complicated or favor insiders. Some say student loan relief is unfair to other workers and costly to taxpayers. Others prefer tax changes, estate planning reforms or lighter regulation.
Supporters answer that new farmers need direct help now, not just a friendlier tax code. Some of the ideas in the debate, like estate and succession planning, have support in both parties. A useful reading is farmdoc daily for analysis of farm transitions.
One more reality check: not every young person wants to farm full time. Some want part-time, specialty or agritourism ventures, and policy debates often overlook them.
How do you actually start in Colorado?
Start small and learn. Work for an established farm or ranch, take an extension course, and write a plan before you sign a lease. CSU Extension and the Colorado Department of Agriculture can point you to classes and programs. Many new farmers begin with leased land, a few acres or a direct-market niche.
The small farm guide and the agriculture careers guide offer starting points for both farming and farm-related work. Try before you buy, in land, equipment and animals alike.
Farm and ranch tours, county fairs and 4-H and FFA events are also good ways to meet people who might lease land or share equipment. Show up and ask questions.
What financial steps help a beginner?
Build a realistic budget, keep personal and farm money separate, and talk to lenders early. Learn how loans work, what the terms mean and what a bad year looks like. This is general information, not financial advice, and a licensed professional should review your plan.
Consider insurance, a cash reserve and a second income while the farm gets going. Many successful beginners keep an off-farm job for years, which is nothing to be ashamed of. The farm money guide walks through the basics.
Land rental agreements, insurance and equipment financing deserve slow reading. A bad lease signed in a hurry can sink a small start-up faster than a poor crop.
- Write a business plan and update it yearly
- Compare several lenders and programs
- Keep a cash reserve for a bad year
- Learn the water rules for your land
- Find a mentor in your county
Where can you read more and connect?
Look for young farmer groups at the Colorado Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union. On farm.FM, farming stories and education stories celebrate newcomers, and a story on young farmers fits right in.
Every old farm started with a beginner. The policy argument is about making sure there are still beginners.
Sources and further reading
- Census of Agriculture: USDA census of farms
- FSA Farm Loans: FSA direct, guaranteed, microloan and emergency loan information
- USDA NRCS: conservation programs and technical help
- USDA Rural Development: rural business and community programs
- Farmers.gov: USDA one-stop site for producers
Ask locally: Ask a CSU Extension agent or an FSA loan officer in Pueblo County about beginning farmer programs and classes.