USDA launches website that provides tools for young and beginning farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday introduced a new website aimed at new and young farmers, Chris Clayton reports for DTN The Progressive Farmer. "The site has links for new farmers, women in ag, youth and military veterans to detail some considerations farmers need to think about when going into farming. The site provides different topics or issues a person needs to consider when getting into farming. The website also has a discovery tool to help answer some questions for people just beginning to look at what it might take to go into farming in a particular state or sector." In 2012, the average age of principal farm operators was 58.3, up 1.2 years since 2007, according to the 2014 USDA Census of Agriculture.

Krysta Harden, USDA's deputy secretary, said on Thursday: “Today’s announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future. No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.” (Read more)