In recent decades we’ve seen surveys indicating an aging population of farmers. The average age now stands at 57.5 years.
However, the 2017 Census of Agriculture shows a younger demographic is still being attracted to life on the farm. A new or beginning farmer is defined by the census as one who has farmed ten years or less. Twenty-seven percent of the country’s 3.4 million producers now fall into this category and though they come from a wide age group have an average age of 46.3.
Whether attracted by the challenge of going it alone in a new business or living a dream of living the country life these growers represent a welcome addition to rural America.
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