By the Numbers: Young Farmers

Photo by Len Villano.

In 2017, the National Young Farmers Coalition received 3,517 responses to a survey from past, current and aspiring farmers about their take on the agricultural industry. Farmers up to 40-years-old cite many challenges in agriculture, but also take a diverse approach to the ever-changing industry.

1

Access to affordable farmland is the top concern for young farmers looking to get into the industry or expand their operations.

2

The number of times in the past century the Census of Agriculture, taken every five years, registered an increase in the number of farmers younger than 35, the most recent being 2012.

5

The number of years before 100 million farmland acres will need to change hands due to retirement of a farmer.

15

Percent of survey respondents who said the Affordable Care Act is the most helpful policy, program or institution for young farmers.

17

Percent of survey respondents with certified organic farms. The national average is one percent.

19

Median farm acreage of survey respondents.

58.3

Average age of the American farmer.

60

Percent of survey respondents that are women.

69

Percent of survey respondents that had completed a degree after high school.

75

Percent of survey respondents that were not raised in farm families.

87

Percent of survey respondents who are white.

6,018

Number of farm operators younger than 25.

49,376

Number of farm operators between the ages of 25 and 34

410,169

Number of farm operators older than 65

$165 billion

Total revenue for farm operators younger than 35.

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Young Farmers Coalition