Inspiring the Next Generation of Growers
(Sponsored) How do we inspire the next generation to take on the mammoth task of feeding the world?
In the UK, the average age of a farmer is 59 while in the US, less than 7% of farmers are under the age of 35. How can the farming industry attract more young growers and more farmers of color? How are today’s careers as growers different from what previous generations experienced?
Growers of the future are farming sustainably
Farming has changed dramatically since today’s growers’ grandparents started their businesses. Agriculture is embracing science, with ag tech and buzz-worthy technological advances.
Many young growers today are inspired to approach farming differently, making agriculture part of the solution to address climate change. Austin Poulson is a fifth-generation farmer and the owner of Scott Poulson Farms in Idaho. Poulson has worked closely with McCain Foods to implement regenerative agriculture practices on his farm and become an Innovation Hub.
Innovation Hubs are practical and inspiring
Designed to be local, relatable, and accessible, those demonstration farms trial practices to determine how they can positively impact yields while building resilience, enhancing soil health, and using resources wisely. Innovation Hubs bring commercial-scale research trials into growing regions to provide centers of learning and transparency. McCain’s Innovation Hubs are a tool to showcase the benefits of regen ag to everyone, including previous generations. Poulson said, “I have a strong relationship with my dad and we worked side-by-side for a while. With the McCain Innovation Hub, he could see the results for himself.” Poulson sought out the opportunity to learn from McCain’s experts. “I was looking to build on what I’d picked up from my father’s years of experience. I recognized where I fell short and wanted the opportunity to gain knowledge from people with other areas of expertise.”
Poulson found his business benefitted from partnering with McCain. “We had been supplying potatoes to the fresh open market. Working with McCain means sharing risk in making the transition to regenerative practices. Now I have the security of a contract and access to a wealth of expertise at my fingertips.”
Field Days offer education and connection
Food producers can be an essential part of engaging and supporting the next generation of farmers. Last summer, Poulson hosted an Innovation Hub Field Day on his farm. The goal was to share knowledge and expertise about regen ag practices, his successes, and how to address challenges. Understanding that nearly one-third of all U.S. growers have farmed for 10 years or less, this education is valuable. Poulson smiled, “The day was full of real connections! It was great to be able to demonstrate what was working and what wasn’t. Regen ag has a learning curve for everyone and participating in that event brought a lot of positive responses.”
To learn more about succession planning for growers, listen to McCain’s Hot Potato Podcast, “Succession in the Field.”
https://www.mccain.com/sustainability/
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