More than 70% of farms in the U.S. have been lost over the past 125 years. Today less than 2% of Americans call farming their profession.
Yet, in a world with a changing climate and uncertain job market, many are looking to farming as a way to get back to the land, grow healthy food for their community, and discover a life full of meaning. But finding land and becoming a full fledged member of the family farm are essential first steps in the plan.
Beth Hoffman explores how securing land for beginning farmers isn’t just about creating business opportunity. It’s about revitalizing rural communities by giving the next generation the opportunity to farm again.
Carly McAndrews—Trowel and Error Farm
Kristiana Coutu—Beginning Farmer Center, Iowa State University
Jada Fife—Fife’s Fine Foods and Land Acquisition and Management Coordinator at SILT
Hannah Breckbill—Humble Hands Harvest, creator of Farmers Land Investment Cooperative, and Land Navigator.
New Census of Agriculture reveals more farms, more farmers in Iowa
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