YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

The future of agriculture is in good hands

By Gene Hall

Will an aging farm population cause potential food supply problems as these farmers work toward a well-deserved retirement?

We don’t hear much about a new generation of farmers stepping up to fill their boots. The 2012 Census of Agriculture showed that 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012. One out of five farmers have operated a farm less than 10 years.

We need more of them, but it is encouraging that so many are planting seeds for the future. Farming is a tough business. Risk wears many faces—from a sudden hail storm to insect damage to plant diseases—All can wipe out a crop or a herd in the blink of an eye.

Then there are never-ending challenges of financing, buying equipment, finding land and feeding your family while getting started.

There are easier ways to make a living but thank the Lord these young men and women are stepping up to the plate, setting the table for the food America needs now and for generations to come.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

You may read this week’s editorial below or listen to the audio version.

Media outlets: This content may be used without further permission.