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Engaging Next Generation Farmers into Successful Farm Management Programs

Eric Richer and David Marrison

Summary

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, nearly 57% of all farm operators are age 55 or older. How do we engage and train those next generation farmers who will continue the important national task of producing food, fiber and biofuels into the future. Despite having great youth agricultural education programs via local FFA and 4-H programs, sometimes the knowledge and experience gap is large between living on a family farm and operating one. This presentation will discuss one new Extension Educator´s approach to addressing these knowledge and experience gaps with a NextGen Farmer Series in Ohio. The discussion will include topical briefs on the 2013 program and how the program will be built upon in the next two years. Tactics for attracting the appropriate age demographic (20´s and 30´s) will be detailed as well as why the NextGen Farmer needs to address financial health, risk management and succession planning issues at a young age.

Details

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