NEXT GEN FARMING
Nearly 300 million acres of U.S. farmland are expected to change hands in the next 20 years. Beyond the transfer of land, and the often-complex succession planning process, investing in the next generation involves the transfer of skills and knowledge. Now’s the time to cultivate multigenerational success through asset, resource and financial stewardship.
The Neumillers, an Illinois potato farm family, share a 70-year legacy of farming, family and passing the torch to the next generation.
At a White House roundtable with farmers, a rice producer’s candid message stole the spotlight. Meet Meryl Kennedy, the rice producer who had a powerful message for President Trump last week.
California grape grower Jennifer Thomson saw nearly every grape go unsold in 2024. But through grit and determination, she fought back — and this year, she found a home for her entire crop, defying odds and carrying her family’s legacy.
At just 10 years old, Jackson Laux has gone from riding with his grandpa to farming his own acres — while also becoming John Deere’s first-ever Chief Tractor Kid. And now he’s teaming up with NFL quarterback Brock Purdy and John Deere to make a difference.
An Indianapolis-based agricultural cooperative has found a new way to recruit its next generation of employees.
“The 1980s farm crisis didn’t just damage balance sheets. It’s changed the interest of being involved in agriculture. That gap is being realized today in board rooms, field offices, agronomy teams and more,” said Aaron Locker, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed.
“We must ensure that we make a way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
From the west coast to Wisconsin and through the central corn belt, Cody Steinkamp helps ag retailers outfit their dry fertilizer warehouses to serve customers today and into the future.
“In today’s economy, the ability to farm often depends on the ability to commute,” says Daniel Munch, economist at American Farm Bureau Federation.
Amanda Freund, a Connecticut dairy farmer is headed to “Shark Tank,” where she aims to propel her creation, CowPots, into the mainstream.