May 1, 2026 · Nebraska Farmers Network
Who is the Next Generation in Agriculture?
The average U.S. farmer is 58 years old, but a new generation is already stepping in. However, they’re up against real barriers. At Nebraska Farmers Network, we’re working to keep land in producers’ hands, support the next generation, and strengthen the future of agriculture.
The next generation of agriculture isn't just coming. It's already here. While the average U.S. producer is 58 years old, younger producers are steadily entering the industry and reshaping its landscape. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, there were 296,480 producers under 35 in 2022. That represents 9% of all producers nationwide, with Nebraska slightly ahead at 11.2%. This raises the question: Who are these young producers, and what is driving them forward?
What do we know about this new generation?
According to the National Young Farmers Coalition, this generation is highly educated, increasingly diverse, and entering agriculture through a variety of paths. Nearly 70% of next-generation farmers hold a college degree, and many spend time outside agriculture before returning to or choosing a life in farming and ranching. Young producers are much more likely to be beginning farmers, with 81% having farmed for 10 years or fewer.
However, the biggest shift in this new generation is how they operate. The new generation of producers is much more tech-savvy than previous generations. To feed the growing global population, automation and data analytics will greatly influence agriculture in the future, and the successful implementation of these technologies will be key. Young producers also have strong passions for sustainability, equity, and nutrition issues, according to Ag Access. For example, 86% of young producers surveyed by the National Young Farmers Coalition described their practices as regenerative, meaning that they take an approach to farming and ranching that builds healthy soils and ecosystems and supports climate-resilient farms and communities. This will inspire a shift in how this new generation operates farms.
What barriers are they facing?
The National Young Farmers Coalition conducted a nationwide survey of the next generation of farmers and ranchers to identify the barriers young producers face. In this survey, 59% of all young farmers named finding affordable land to buy as "very or extremely" challenging. The second-highest barrier named was access to capital. To put this into perspective, in 2024, Cassidy Walter of Successful Farming collected data to estimate the cost of becoming a grain farmer for someone with no family-farm background. The report found that this cost can reach nearly 8 million, including education, equipment, buildings, land, and operating costs. Even after accounting for certain factors specific to a young producer's situation, this cost remains a major barrier to the next generation's success in agriculture.
Young producers in the National Young Farmers Coalition survey also report barriers related to:
Housing and land access
Water availability
Healthcare and cost of living
Finding reliable business partners
Accessing stable markets
These barriers, among others, make it increasingly difficult for young producers to enter the agriculture industry.
How these barriers drive our mission.
At Nebraska Farmers Network, we understand these barriers are making it difficult for Nebraska producers to maintain or acquire ownership of Nebraska land. When the next generation struggles to access land or ownership opportunities, it risks the long-term strength of our industry. We are dedicated to providing Nebraskans with alternatives to keep our state's agricultural sector thriving and to bring the next generation of producers into successful careers. Local ownership and operation are essential to maintaining Nebraska's outstanding culture and dedication to feeding the world. The future of stewardship of our land depends on those who are willing to create opportunities for young producers, and we are dedicated to making this happen.
Sources:
https://youngfarmers.org/2022/09/2022-survey-release/
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NationalSurveyReport2022.pdf
https://www.agriculture.com/how-much-does-it-take-to-become-a-farmer-7521627
https://ag-access.com/blog/next-gen-farmers-3-ways-they-are-different
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2024/Census22_HL_YoungProducers.pdf