This article was contributed by Farm Credit to NIAA’s member-only newsletter, Paradigm, in May 2025. 

It’s hard to discuss agriculture without using the word “generation.” Whether describing a fourth-generation row crop operation or a first-generation cattle producer, the term reflects those deep ties between people, land and the animals that sustain us.

Perhaps the most important iteration of the word, however, is the next generation — the young producers we rely on to pick up the mantle of feeding their families and communities. This could mean keeping a storied family operation humming along for another few decades. It could also mean taking the leap to purchase those first few acres of land.

This is an enormous—and vital—responsibility in an aging industry. As of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, only 9% of farmers are under 35 years old, amounting to just 296,480 producers across the nation. Over 40% of American farmers are 65 and older, with an average age of 58.

Farm Credit recognizes the critical importance of agriculture’s next generation — and that we must ensure young and beginning producers have the resources, capital, and support they need to sustain their operation, whether it’s first-generation or multi-generational. From personalized financing options to leadership development for beginning farmers, supporting agricultures’ next generation embodies Farm Credit’s mission.

Each Farm Credit institution across the nation offers specialized resources and services tailored to support the success of its young and beginning producers, including educational programming, mentorship opportunities, financial counseling, and grants and scholarships. Additionally, Farm Credit partners with several elite organizations focused on providing training and resources for young and beginning farmers. Farm Credit is proud to partner with the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) as a sponsor of their preeminent leadership program, Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders.

 This 16-month program, currently in its fourth cohort, is a world-class leadership and experiential learning opportunity for leaders in animal agriculture, empowering them to bring positive transformation to the industry. Each cohort’s twenty individuals complete a rigorous curriculum tailored to the goals of the group, built into sessions that focus on developing critical thinking, leadership, connectivity within the industry and operational excellence. Session sponsors also engage with participants and assist with curriculum content, further enhancing the quality of programming and networking opportunities.

At the end of the program, cohorts apply their curriculum and developed skills to a final capstone project, which is shared at the NIAA Annual Conference. Ultimately, each individual departs the program equipped with a more dynamic understanding of the animal agriculture industry and advanced skills to lead its next generation.

An investment in the next generation of agriculture is an investment in the future of the U.S. We must continue to uphold and support programs, including Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders, that support the strength and development of those interested in agriculture. When young producers are equipped with the right resources, it’s not just their operation that emerges stronger — it’s our nation.

Read more about the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders here and here.