New Study Reveals Concerns Of Young Farmers/Ranchers

In a recent study by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the top concerns of America’s leading young farmers and ranchers were profitability, increasing government regulations and the impact of activist groups, Agri Marketing reports.

Despite the challenges, 80% of those responding to AFBF’s 18th annual survey of young farmers and ranchers said they are more optimistic than they were five years ago, while 82% say they are better off than they were five years ago.

The survey shows young farmers and ranchers have a high level of apprehension about government climate change regulations, with 79% of those surveyed expressing high or very high concern. A huge majority of those surveyed expressed concern about the impact of activist groups on their farm and ranch operations. A total of 85% were concerned or very concerned about activist groups. Only 7% expressed little or no concern.

Respondents were asked to rank their top three challenges, and 24% ranked overall profitability as the top concern, followed by government regulations at 23%. Two other concerns tied for third on that list, with competition from more established farms and ranches, and willingness of parents to share management responsibilities each receiving 9%.

When it comes to what steps the federal government can take to help farmers and ranchers, 23% ranked cut federal spending as number one. Boosting U.S. agricultural exports ranked second, selected by 14% of respondents. Providing greater help to beginning farmers was third at 11%.

A sizable majority, 83%, said they believe farm income should come totally from the marketplace, while only 17% said farm income should be supplemented by government farm program payments.

Young farmers and ranchers are also committed environmental stewards, with 68% saying that balancing environmental and economic concerns is important for their operations. The survey says 58% used conservation tillage on their farms.

The majority of those surveyed, 57%, plan to plant biotech crops this year, while 43% said they do not plan to do so.

The survey also shows the Internet is an important tool for young farmers and ranchers. Nearly 99% said they have access to and use the Internet, with the vast majority, 72%, saying they have access to a high-speed Internet connection. Only 20% rely on slower dial-up connections and 8% turn to more costly satellite connections.