Kody McCleary, a 24 year old producer, says that maintaining the family farm for the next generation is his number one goal.
Bringing Youth Back to the Farm in Rural America
The Breakfast Club teaches youth how to raise hogs, making the knowledge accessible to those who don’t necessarily come from a farming family, and helping first-generation farmers pursue a career in agriculture.
Extending the Agriculture Workforce Development Program: Colorado’s Bold Move to Secure the Future of Farming
Governor Jared Polis aims to boost Colorado’s agriculture sector by extending the Agriculture Workforce Development Program.
Cultivating Resilient Farms and Communities: How Practical Farmers of Iowa Is Diversifying the Agricultural Landscape
Practical Farmers of Iowa is working to build resilient farms and communities by diversifying the state’s agriculture landscape.
You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Measure: The Data Shaping U.S. Food Systems
Data from the USDA’s Census of Agriculture influences decisions that will shape the future of food and farming systems in the United States.
What Will Be the Legacy of Today’s Young Farmer Advocates?
Young farmer are advocating for changes that will allow them to develop resilient regional food systems that benefit people and the land.
With a Guaranteed Market for their Hogs, Farmers Don’t Need to “Get Big or Get Out”
When fifth generation farmer Joe Mickelson transitioned to small-scale diversification, he discovered that raising pigs in the open air was a new—and much more enjoyable—experience.
New Survey Finds Young Farmers Are Motivated by Environmental Conservation and Social Justice
Despite facing systemic challenges, young farmers are pushing to steward the land responsibly.
Complete the National Young Farmer Survey and Help Build a Better Farming Future
Data from the 2022 National Young Farmer Survey will inform advocacy efforts to build more equitable farm systems.
Being a Good Farmer and Neighbor With Niman Ranch
Through sustainable practices, Niman Ranch Farmers Cody and Morgan Wickerham are farming for a better food system for today and the future.
Kathleen Merrigan on Food and Farming in U.S. and the Future of the Country’s Agricultural System
Kathleen Merrigan, Director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, talks about the need to support rural communities, young farmers, and the future of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under a new administration.
Holly Rippon-Butler Talks Young Farmers, COVID-19
“We need to make investments for young farmers as a resource for this country”
A Grandson Continues the Family Legacy at Palmquist Farms
Austin Palmquist discusses his role as a young farmer with Niman Ranch and motivation for sustainably raising 400 hogs annually in this week’s Farmer Friday feature.
Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers: Crile Farms and Niman Ranch
In this month’s Farmer Friday Feature with Niman Ranch, Raeanna Crile, a young Iowan farmer, talks family farming and her experience raising hogs at Crile Farms.
From the Field to the World: Sustainability Lessons from a Young Farmer
Food Tank speaks with Thomas Parsons, a Niman Ranch member, about his role as a young farmer and advocating for a sustainable food system worldwide from his family’s ranch in southeastern Kansas.
We Don’t Want to Be Bigger, We Want Farmers With Values—Niman Ranch’s Jeff Tripician
At Niman Ranch, keeping the family farming tradition alive takes anything but stagnation: General Manager Jeff Tripician describes the farming network’s evolution to better support farming families, young farmers, and rural communities.
It Takes a Village to Support a Young Farmer—Lindsey Lusher Shute
Lindsey Lusher Shute, Executive Director and co-founder of the National Young Farmers Coalition, talks about the risks young farmers navigate at every level of the food system—and how Congress can help.
2018 San Diego Food Tank Summit: Farming for A Better Food System Panel
Farmers talk labor, climate, change, and new agricultural ideas from young people in the 2018 San Diego Food Tank Summit “Farming for a Better Food System” panel.
Farmer Friday: April Wilson on Food Education and Small Farms
Niman Ranch farmer, April Wilson, talks about the importance of knowing where your food comes from, interacting with the animals and the land, and inspiring people to farm.
Quality Meat from Quality Care: An Interview with Niman Ranch Farmer Randy Gadient
Randy Gadient, a Niman Rancher and hog farmer, explains why connecting with animals, involving more young farmers, and reviving small farms are key to changing the food system.
