MFU KUFM Commentary

January 15, 2008

A New Generation of Farmers

by Sandy Coutnage

More and more young people seem to be turning to or returning to farming.  Whether they are a small garden farmer just starting out, or a son or daughter returning to farm with their family, it seems a growing trend. 

As an organization that offers many educational and outreach activities, we’ve had the good fortune to meet and get to know some of the latest generation of family farmers.

The resurgence of young people to farming, ranching and associated food production activities is anecdotal at this point.  We won’t have the hard evidence to back our impressions until the 2007 Census of Agriculture is completed, analyzed and published.  At this point, however, we can share a few observations.

Considerable public policy debate exists about the role of the family farm in the U.S.  It ranges from a nostalgic belief that farms are idyllic pockets of Americana, to the belief that farms should be big and dispersed across the world.

Many of the romantic – and destructive – notions about working the soil and making a living off the land come from those who have never done so.

We’re not suggesting that there aren’t both positive and negatives to think about.  There are considerable rewards from farming and ranching, but there are also aching backs and sleepless nights thinking about how to pay the orthodontist with a hail storm on the horizon.

Whatever the age, farmers come in many stripes, with as many motivations and ideas as those who open a main street business. 

Many people don’t realize the commitment it takes to be a farmer.  It is expensive in time, energy and revenue.  Farmers must carry more land, buildings, machinery, livestock, unsold inventory and debt than many urban businesses.

Even greater than the day-to-day changes in the weather and the markets is a challenge such as global warming and its effect on the food supply.  

High energy prices and other production costs also must be absorbed by the producer.

As for commodities grown in Montana, a few large multinational corporations mostly control commodity prices.  When multinational firms and not family producers own our food, we all have fewer choices and less control.

The trend by consumers to buy locally grown and raised, however, is growing here in Montana and throughout the country.

It makes sense that buying closer to home provides numerous benefits including fresher food, fewer dollars spent on transportation and other energy costs, as well as helping to grow Montana’s economy.  In the process your choices can support family farms and a new generation of farmers.

In fact, one provision of the Farm Bill currently being worked on by Congress promotes locally grown foods by granting loans to establish and grow businesses that work to provide locally produced agricultural food products.

Congress also has continued to support its belief that there is ‘something unique’ about rural America and therefore worth preserving.  To this end, the Farm Bill also includes support for beginning farmers and ranchers.  It recognizes the benefit of having invigorated, encouraged people living and working the land and supporting their communities. 

As Montana responds to the challenges and more fully participates in emerging opportunities such as bio-based fuels, branded beef, organic agriculture and identity preserved agricultural products, the opportunities for young people will be interesting, more profitable and more available.  A new generation of farmers:  it’s a worthy goal. 

For the Montana Farmers Union, I’m Sandy Courtnage.  Thanks for listening.