2012 Census Shows Increase in Young, Beginning Farmers

More young people are getting into farming as a full-time job. The 2012 Census of Agriculture data shows an 11.3 percent increase in young and beginning principal operators who reported their primary occupation as farming. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service released updated census data last week, showing the benefits of USDA programs on the agricultural industry. “The data illustrate the power of USDA efforts to grow the economy and strengthen infrastructure in rural America, create new market opportunities for farmers and ranchers and provide access to capital, credit and disaster assistance for producers of all sizes,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Read more.