Farmers Union’s Launching Beginning Farmer Institute This Week

(WASHINGTON, DC) As the average age of the American farmer continues to climb, organizations like the National Farmers Union (NFU) understand the importance of engaging the next generation of agricultural producers. This week, NFU is kicking off their ninth Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI). Twelve beginning farmers and ranchers from a wide variety of demographic, geographic, and agricultural backgrounds, travel to the nation’s capital for the three-day session that includes classroom time and meetings with members of Congress. “A rapidly aging farm population poses a serious challenge to the future of American agriculture,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “BFI addresses that challenge head-on by providing the next generation of family agriculture with the tools and knowledge they will need to run successful operations.” During this and two subsequent sessions, participants will gain hands-on technical training in the topics covered by the Farm Business Toolbox. Gary Matteson, Farm Credit’s Vice President of Beginning Farmer Programs and Outreach, provided an in-depth overview of business planning and farm credit. Future sessions will feature seminars on business formation, accounting, taxation, labor and contractors, and insurance, led by farmers and other industry experts.