Nebraska Congressman Brad Ashford is co-sponsoring legislation to incentivize careers in farming for young people. The Young Farmer Success Act of 2015 would extend an existing loan forgiveness program for young farmers. Center for Rural Affairs Traci Bruckner says that’s an important component to help young people get into the business.

Bruckner says the measure needs some refining and her group is working with Congressman Ashford and the National Young Farmers Coalition to correct that.

She adds that besides loan forgiveness, ag policy and rising land values also need to be addressed so younger producers can start farming and ranching.

Congressman Ashford says that because only 6 percent of those farming now are under the age of 35 the problem needs addressing so that America’s food security is protected moving forward.