|
 Equipment dealers, mechanics, welders, feed mill employees,
elevator employees, seed dealers, seed packagers, cob plant
employees, fertilizer retailers, veterinarians, tax and
accounting services, banks, auto dealers, and even businesses
such as local restaurants are impacted by farmers.
A growing concern is the age of the farming community. The 2011
Annual Bulletin states the average age of the Illinois farmer is
56.2. This number has been on a steady incline over the last 75
years. Across the country there has been a 30% increase of
farmers over the age of 75 and a 20% decrease in the number of
farmers under the age of 25.(Source www.start2farm.gov ) These
numbers are staggering and cause for concern.
This raises the question of what happens when a farmer retires.
In the past, the farm was typically passed to a family member to
take over. While this still happens on a regular basis today,
more and more frequently there is not someone of the next
generation ready to take on the responsibility of the farm. Many
times the assets are sold on auction and the farmland is either
rented to a neighbor or often times rented or sold to the
highest bidder.
To combat this dissolution of the midsize family farm the Logan
County Farm Bureau Young Leader group has delivered a program
called “Farm On”. The idea of the Farm On program is to inform
retiring farmers of local young men and women who have interest
in production agriculture. The hope is that one of these young
people could be a potential suitor for the transition of the
operation in question.
This transition could consist of anything from a one-time buyout
to a partnership that evolves over time. The Young Leaders have
created a database with applications submitted by these aspiring
young farmers. Their information has been collected and compiled
at the Logan County Farm Bureau office. The applicants may or
may not already be farming, but they all have a desire to farm.
Each applicant has demonstrated their sincere interest by
submitting a $50.00 application fee.
[to top of second column] |
Local producers who may be considering retirement are encouraged to
come in and view the applications. If the retiring farmer finds
someone they feel is a good “match” the program would bring them
together to see if there is potential for a future transition.
The goal of the program is to ensure that production agriculture
continues to thrive in Logan County and surrounding communities. It
opens the door of opportunity to young aspiring farmers while
providing retiring farmers a new option for the future of their
farm.
If you would like to start farming or if you are considering an exit
strategy from farming please contact the Farm Bureau office in
Lincoln today and ask about “Farm On”. Phone: 217-732-7326 All calls
will be kept confidential.
[Matt Wrage, Logan County Farm Bureau
Young Leaders]
 |
