Younger farmers

[Nick]

What do you all think is the biggest reason(s) that the next generation is not continuing the family farm? Do you think it is a lack of contingency planning or is it just too much work, they would rather live an easier 8-5 life with weekends off?

[Jeremy Karsten]

I think that it is combination of reasons. 1) The price of getting in farming is great, you look at the price tags of everything and once its all added up, you just look at it and say "sheesh!! How in the sam hill am I going to finance that?!!" I do admit, it is very intimidating looking at all the land, equipment, tools, knowledge and labor that goes into it all, and I wonder "when will I see a green balance sheet?"
2) People are becoming progressively lazier and the instant gratification. Everybody wants to be the popular person on tv, with all the toys and make the money by working as little as possible for it. They want their 40 hr week pay by only working 20 hrs and still want bonus' and addtional benifits. sorry for the stolen quote
That is why I think that out government is going in the direction it is because everybody wants healthcare, a house, etc... but they dont want to have to pay for it... I mean come on, you mean I can just walk into the docs office and not have to pay for it?!! sign me up!!! just kidding. that is another reason for the jobless rates in our country, cause nobody wants to step down and get their hands dirty and find a job cleaning, farming, factory worker, etc...
Farming is a not just your run of the mill "job" it is a lifestyle, a passion. You dont farm for the money, for the fame, or for the glory, its a peace of mind knowing that when you wake up in the morning those cows depending on you and you on them. Gosh, I love farming!!!

[Kevin Rapp]

From what i have seen and heard the main reason a few of the small local farms around me are going under is becouse the kids of today are just to lazy to work. I personally enjoy the labor farming brings and the joy of the animals. the few kids i have talked to were not taking over there family farms becouse they are lazy, just too weak to work, and do not know how to deal with the animals physically and keep up there health. they are lacking the desire to do anything without a large money reward

[Fred Kunkel]

There can be many reasons everyones story is different. I feel its the hours and money. Not to many people want to work 12+ hours 7 days a week.

[Christy]

Well in our area it just seems like there is No One to take over. There are less than a handful of young people around here that are really that interested in it anyways... it will definately be interesting to see what happens in the next 10 years!! My husband is in partners with his Dad and brother and they are are able to work really well together (which is such a blessing) but there does seem to be hardship in working with family members. Either the Dad won't let go and doesn't feel that they are ever responsible enough to take over or their seems to be greed and pride that step in and you could find yourselves competing with one another And NO MATTER what it's Never going to be completely fair! And also I feel like the younger generation does not have the education or money to be able to run a Farming Operation.

[Brian]

I had a neighbor tell me one time that farming is a good life but not a good living. People this day & age want a good living.

[Vince Reincke]

I think it has a good bit to do w/ cost and opportunity. The average farm--~57 years old has a stronger balance sheet than most 25-30 year olds and can take some bigger risks, like higher cash rent. Additionally that stronger balance sheet affords the opportunity to purchase more land, grain storage, livestock facilities, etc. Just tougher for those of us w/ less time under our belts.

Additionally the older generation has to be willing to let go, at least a little bit. That is the hardest thing for young people in production agriculture to overcome, because we don't want to be disrespectful. I am guessing many are in this situation. Truth is that it is nearly impossible for someone who wants to retire(in the next ~10yrs) to have the same perspective/philosophy as the individual that is concerned about the next ~40 yrs of the business. This takes a great deal of planning & paperwork that most "farmers" don't care much about. Perhaps our generation will change all of that--history will tell us...

[Fred Kunkel]

Like others have said my generation is pretty lazy. Most of my friends have "town jobs". While they are all getting off work at 5:00 I am still at work. Depending upon the time of year may still be working till 10:00 or so. Go inside get something to eat get some sleep. Then be back up by 3:00. Thank goodness that doesnt happen much. Farming isnt a easy life style. Its very rewarding job at the end of the day.

[Glen Groth]

I think Jeff Kazin and Jim Snyder provided the best answers here. First, with machinery and other technology we just do not need as many farmers anymore. That may be for better or for worse, and i am sure we all have an opinion.
In regards to what jim said, the definition of work has changed from being physical to being primarily mental. Anyone our age that is trying to succeed at their own business is working just as hard as we are.

In my own opinion it comes down to attitude. If the previous generation did nothing but piss and moan about everything, what motivation does one have to return to that atmosphere? If one were to return to that toxic situation how successful would they be? Poor attitude is not a trait posessed only by the older generations. Many young farmers don't start farming because they don't believe in themselves. There are always options out there, call me naive, but i believe it.

[jmfettke04]

I think that it's a financial issue.

[Keil Miller]

I agree with Corey on this. It is kinda hard to stick with something when no one is there to support you. Farming is probably the hardest career to get started in, i mean how many jobs do you have to pay for to get your check in return? Being only 19 and starting to buy my own cattle and stuff i see this first hand. i always wanted to farm but never really realized what it would take until now. Ya people say to do other things and go to college and get a real job, but what is farming, we would have nothing without it. I think when people tell me that i will never make any money farming and it will never work just makes me want to do it more to prove everyone wrong. I am very competative and if someone tells me i wont make it work then i am going to bust my butt to show them i can. I had to take out a loan to buy bred heifers just recently but when you go to check them and find new calves it is a great feeling. I understand it is going to be a lot of work but it will all be worth it at the end of the day! I will prove everyone wrong and show people that there is still young farmers like myself that will make it work and keep the lifestyle going!

[James S Davis]

Keil Miller said:

I am very competative and if someone tells me i wont make it work then i am going to bust my butt to show them i can. I had to take out a loan to buy bred heifers just recently but when you go to check them and find new calves it is a great feeling. I understand it is going to be a lot of work but it will all be worth it at the end of the day! I will prove everyone wrong and show people that there is still young farmers like myself that will make it work and keep the lifestyle going!

[James S Davis]

That's the spirit! Now if there were just a couple million like you and me across the country, there'd be no issue. I'm 31, and all i have are 2 sheep, a garden, and a broken tractor, but I'm ready for the next step!