The next generation of agriculture is not lacking on enthusiasm or passion for the industry, despite some of the headwinds. That was obvious from the young people South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem invited to join her for a panel discussion on “The Next Generation of Agriculture” at the Governor’s Ag Summit in Sioux Falls.
John Eilertson is a senior at SDSU and wants to return to the farm near Wentworth after college. He says the challenge is the land and capital investment, so he suggested a mentoring program.
Logan Wolter grew up on his family’s ranch near Wessington Springs and is now attending Mitchell Technical Institute. He says the state should provide more financial incentives and link retiring farmers with those that need helping to get started in the business.
The high cost of health insurance is also a barrier for young farm families says Calli Williams, who owns a cattle operation with her husband north of Mitchell. She also serves as a Sales Producer for Fisher, Rounds and Associates focusing on Livestock and Farm Insurance.
Youth programs like 4-H and FFA were instrumental in many of the panelists getting into agriculture and pursuing it as a career, including Taylor McMartin. She is State 4-H Treasurer and participated in FFA at West Central High School.
Governor Noem says she’s committed to helping the next generation stay in the state and on the farm if that is what they desire.
