In Iowa, farming isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life passed down from one generation to the next. But for too many young Iowans, carrying on that tradition is becoming harder.
The problem: A young farmer ready to take over the family operation, or start one of their own, can face land prices they can’t afford, startup costs they can’t cover, and loans that are difficult to secure.
I’ve been fighting to break down those barriers. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) joined that effort with new support to help beginning farmers get their start. ⬇️
What’s new: USDA is expanding support for beginning farmers through their first 10 years in agriculture — including easier access to financing for land, livestock, and equipment — while also creating new opportunities for veterans to pursue a career in farming.
But we can’t stop there. I’ve led bipartisan solutions in the House-passed Farm Bill to tackle these same challenges:
🚜 The Next Generation of Farmers Act cuts red tape at USDA so young farmers can qualify for the loans they need to buy their first acres.
👨🌾 The Farm Transitions Act brings farmers and agricultural experts to the table to tackle the challenges of handing a family farm to the next generation.
Why it matters: Two-thirds of Iowa farmland is owned by people 65 or older. If young Iowans can’t afford to take over family farms or build operations of their own, that land risks being consolidated into larger operations — and the next generation may leave rural communities altogether.
Bottom Line: Keeping Iowa agriculture strong means giving the next generation a fair shot — to buy the land, build the operation, and keep family farms in the family. USDA is taking steps in the right direction. I’ll keep fighting to build on that progress and get these bipartisan Farm Bill solutions signed into law.