Vance County has declared the third week in November each year as Farm-City Week. During that time, local residents are encouraged to reflect upon the connections and interdependence between the people and businesses in our towns, and the farms that surround them. This great nation was built on agriculture, but the towns and cities provide the markets and support businesses that make farming possible. — Paul McKenzie

OUR AGING FARMERS: A LOOMING CRISIS FOR OUR NATION?

By Paul McKenzie, Agriculture Extension Agent, Vance County Cooperative Extension

If you happen to be a farmer, I have some important information for you: You’re not getting any younger. Sorry, don’t mean to get personal, but the 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that the average age for farmers in Vance County is almost 60. Nor is this phenomenon limited to our own community. For North Carolina as a whole, the average age is a hair over 57, while the figure is just over 58 for our nation (2012 Census of Agriculture).

Now, this is not necessarily a problem over the short term, since I’ve met plenty of 70-year old farmers who could outwork me all week and twice on Sunday. We shouldn’t see bare grocery store shelves anytime soon. But in the long run, our community, state and nation depends on recruiting young folks to pick up the plow. And since recent decades have seen the daughters and sons of farmers leaving the farm for jobs in the city, the issue is complex.

Young people who are interested in farming usually lack experience, and perhaps more importantly, the capital to invest in land and expensive equipment. Comprehensive strategies to address these barriers are vital to our nation’s future. Fortunately, agriculture presents fantastic career opportunities, and it’s way more interesting than sitting on a tractor all day. Farmers today must deal with high tech equipment, manage complex pest issues, and have sharp business skills.

If you know a young person who is exploring career options, encourage them to look into the many great opportunities available in agriculture.

(Paul McKenzie can be heard on WIZS each Tuesday at 4:35 P.M. on the Home and Garden Show and at other times Monday through Thursday at 2:05 P.M. for the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report.)