Survey Shows Challenges to Starting a Farm
Poll found lack of access to land, high costs, high rents are greatest challenges for young and beginning farmers.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 25, 2005
A new poll shows that limited access to farmland and its high costs are the greatest challenges to success facing people who want to be in agriculture for the future. That's according to a poll of 400 young and beginning farmers and ranchers taken in September. The poll also shows strong support for a reduction in subsidy payments under the Farm Bill and elimination of the inheritance tax.
The Young & Beginning Producers Poll was limited to respondents who were active farmers or ranchers working either full- or part-time, and age 35 or younger. Or, if between 36 and 40 years old, they were involved in farming or ranching operations for less than 10 years.
The availability of land and its high cost were mentioned by two out of five poll participants. Young producers with operations in the 500- to 999-acre size category were most likely to talk about their inability to afford land prices.
Young producers see a relationship between subsidy payments and escalating land prices. Nearly three-quarters — 73% — of those who participated in the poll would support lower payment limits. Abolition of the inheritance tax drew support from 70% of the respondents.
The poll inquired about producers' reasons for involvement in farming; global, national and local issues that challenge their success; the rating of specific issues relevant to young and beginning farmers and ranchers; the subsidy and inheritance tax policy questions; and their level of optimism toward the future.
Conducted in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming, 60% of the respondents were full-time farmers who've been involved in the business an average of 9.8 years. Half the respondents were 31 to 35 years old, 30% were 30 or younger and 19% were 36 to 40.
Family ties were cited as the primary reason for involvement in farming by 43% of those polled, while another 38% said the reason was their "passion for this kind of work." Only 5% said they became farmers or ranchers because they saw an opportunity for financial gain.
The poll participants are highly educated, as 76% have at least some post-secondary education, including 45% who are college graduates. Most work with landlords. Only 17% own all the acres they farm, while 33% rent all their land.
The poll, conducted by Jefferson Davis Associates, was sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.
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Tagged: farm, farming, land prices, farm bill, ranching
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