FARM TALK — PART 1 | WHO GETS TO FARM AMERICA TOMORROW?

Описание: FARM TALK — PART 1 | WHO GETS TO FARM AMERICA TOMORROW?

What happens when we successfully train the next generation to **work in agriculture**—but fail to make sure they have a realistic opportunity to **own a farm**?

In Part 1 of *Farm Talk**, Amy with the **Veterans & Young Farmers Alliance (VYFA)* takes a closer look at one of the biggest questions facing American agriculture:

*Who gets to farm America tomorrow?*

This conversation began after reading about Riverview's efforts to develop the next generation of dairy leaders through its internship program.

And that work matters.

America needs young people who understand agriculture, dairy, business management, technology, finance, and modern farm operations.

But there is a question we can't ignore:

*Where do those young people go when they're ready to farm for themselves?*

In this episode, Amy examines the growing challenges surrounding:

🌾 Farmland access
🌾 Farm ownership
🌾 Beginning farmers
🌾 Agricultural concentration
🌾 Rising barriers to entry
🌾 Access to capital
🌾 Family farm succession
🌾 The future of independent farming

We also look at the proposed expansion of Riverview's West River Dairy in Minnesota, which would increase the operation from approximately *7,855 cows to 18,855 cows* if approved as proposed.

The proposal would represent approximately *26,397 animal units* and involve approximately **13,200 acres for manure application**.

The point of this discussion isn't to attack dairy farming or large-scale agriculture.

*VYFA is not anti-farmer.*

We're not anti-dairy.

We're not anti-technology.

We're not anti-innovation.

And we're not saying large agricultural operations don't have a place in America.

They do.

But when agricultural operations reach extraordinary scale, it is reasonable to ask serious questions about water, soil, groundwater, manure management, nutrient runoff, watersheds, cumulative impacts, and rural communities.

Those aren't anti-farmer questions.

*They're responsible questions.*

And there's another question at the heart of this episode:

If America is investing in training the next generation of agricultural workers and leaders…

*Are we also protecting their opportunity to become agricultural owners?*

Because the family farm isn't simply a symbol of America's past.

It's part of America's future.

And if we want young farmers, veteran farmers, beginning farmers, and independent agricultural entrepreneurs to have a place in that future, we have to start talking about land access, capital, infrastructure, education, and opportunity now.

This is *Part 1* of the conversation.

In **Part 2**, we'll move from the problem to the bigger question:

*What do we need to do to make sure there is still room for the next generation of American farmers?*

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🎙️ *FARM TALK*
Hosted by Amy
Veterans & Young Farmers Alliance
Full Stroke Media

*Because America doesn't just need the next generation of agricultural workers.*

*America needs the next generation of American farmers.*

And they deserve somewhere to farm.

👇 *Watch Part 2 next and join the conversation.*

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