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Strathcona, mn | What does the usda consider a farmer, gross income from Ag over $1000/yr. that is the reason there are 2.2 million farmers I the us. Only 120,000 of them produce 85% of the food in the us. There will always be the guys that want to retire and farm 40, 80, or 100 acres. There will always be the "family" farms with horses and 10 acres that "fudge" the numbers to show $1000 gross to claim farm status. Reality says that there are going to be less full time operators and bigger farms.... Unless they put an acreage or income gap the trend will keep happening. I have friends who have the opportunity to take the family farm but at 35+ years old and a wife, kids, and a career are content and "safe" an will not return back to Ag. If dad didn't keep them active and help them along the way they have gone and found their own lives and most will not return to the farm. There are ways to start in Ag without inheriting the operation.... Through hard work, perseverance, dedication, and luck young people can get started in Ag, most won't take the risk! | |
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bright future for young farmers
