"This survey is a wake-up call." That's a quote from Thomas J. Vilsack, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, talking about our latest Census of Agriculture, which was recently released. What got his attention? Here's some statistics from the 2022 Census: The number of farms in the US dropped almost 7% since 2017 - a continuing decline … Continue reading Latest Ag Census packed with eye-opening numbers; what they mean, what we can do
Did you know land access is an emerging farmer's #1 hurdle to getting started? This data comes from the National Young Farmers Coalition 2022 survey. With prohibitive land prices and lots of deep-pocketed competition, it's hard for folks to get their foot in the farming door these days. So, What's an emerging farmer? The MN … Continue reading How you (yes,you!) can create land access for emerging farmers
It's overwhelming. It's complicated. It's emotional. Controversial even. You're too busy. You're never going to retire. None of your kids want to farm anyway. Any of this sound familiar? There's a mountain of reasons why you may be putting off writing your farm transition plan. These numbers say you're not alone: Only about 33% of … Continue reading Why you should begin planning your farm transition today
With climate extremes increasing in frequency and intensity, two mitigation methods regularly emerge - conversion to renewable energy and expanding regenerative agriculture. Both have their benefits. The problem is, they are increasingly competing for the same land. Wind and solar energy are now cheaper than fossil fuel. So project developers are eager to expand, and … Continue reading Renewable energy vs. regenerative agriculture: can we do both?
A topic near and dear to FoxRAP's heart. UW Extension published a helpful 3-part article series: Demystifying the future farmer and planning ahead for a successful farmland transition. Key takeaways from Part 1 - Making farmland transition options available to landowners: Our current producers are aging out and an expected 70% of farmland will change … Continue reading Successful farmland transitions that benefit both current and future farmers
Minnesota launched what may be the nation's first-of-its-kind program to bring in a new, diverse generation of farmers as the current, 99%-white farmer population grows older. This $15,000 matching grant opened at 9:00 a.m. on January 4, 2023 and had 28 applications in the first five minutes. Within days, the funds were claimed, applications closed, … Continue reading MN grant program helps young farmers buy land
Did you know Wisconsin is second in the nation for total number of organic farms? Only California has more. Yet, due to rising cost of land, new farmers struggle to get into the business and growth of existing farms is limited. Organic farms use more human-scale, sustainable growing methods which build healthier soils. In turn, … Continue reading Farmland access: key to flourishing organic food system in Wisconsin
Two articles came up in my newsfeed this week: One from The New York Times - Farmland Values Hit Record Highs, Pricing Out Farmers and from local news in Iowa - Record price for Iowa farmland now $30,000 an acre Let's pause to let that sink in. This record comes on the heels of the … Continue reading With farmland selling at record prices, next-generation farmers need our help
Are you an aspiring farmer full of questions on how to get started? Maybe you're a new farmer looking for advice or guidance? Are you a farmer with several years of experience under your belt and want to help the next generation? Programs around WI and the Upper Midwest are open for both opportunities. Check … Continue reading InspireBites: Be a farming mentor! Or mentee!
Join FoxRAP next week at this important event: The Land Stewardship Project in partnership with the National Young Farmers Coalition is hosting a Farm Bill listening session for Beginning Farmers next Tuesday, June 7th from 6-7pm! The Farm Bill will determine how hundreds of billions of dollars of agricultural funding is spent, and will determine, … Continue reading Farm Bill Listening Session for Beginning Farmers
Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project 