In the US, farming was once considered a significant occupation. Statistics show that, in 2012, not more than 1% of the American population were professional farmers. Farmers of today face many challenges that the general public is oblivious to.
Most of the general public have an obsolete view when one thinks of a farm. They consider it a small parcel of land owned and run by family members, where cattle are raised and crops are harvested. In reality, present-day farms must overhaul their operations to cater to the demands and stay competitively priced while adjusting to new technology.
The Top 3 Challenges Faced by the Farming Industry
Technology
Rural farming communities of today are expected to consider integrating modern technology into their farming industry.
As easy as it may sound, it is not. To make such a shift in rural areas is quite a challenge. The communications systems are not as up-to-date compared to urban areas. Combined, these factors make it difficult for the farming industry to make the switch and become accustomed to ever-changing technological trends.
Technology is also an opportunity in the farming industry. Research shows that the farmers who made the shift and involved modern technology in their business noticed increased production. It also had a substantial effect on the labor supply.
Decline in Farming as a Profession
Very few Americans claim the farming industry as their primary occupation. In our country, most farmers are now above 55 years of age. Most young adults don’t consider the farming industry as one of their aspired professions.
Environmental Apprehensions
Many farmers are held responsible for how the farming business affects the environment. These days, the emphasis is placed on conservation and sustainability. It has resulted in public protests against some farmer’s certain practices. These practices refer to water pollution, raising livestock, use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, etc.
On the other hand, many farmers have changed their methods and practices to be more self-sustainable and environmentally friendly in the process.
This is not the only environmental issue that farmers face in their industry. Climate and weather changes are also ecological issues that farmers must deal with. Severe droughts and intense storms have made the farming industry even more demanding and complex.
Opportunities in the Farming Industry
Despite all of the challenges, there are still opportunities in the farming industry. The NSAC (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition) works hard to provide farming opportunities to all of the independent family farmers of America. New federal programs and policies are coming out to support the young adults in the farming industry.
Every few years or so, Congress reauthorizes the state farm bill in which legislative decisions about funding and policies provide opportunities for women, beginning, veteran, and minority farmers.
The government also considers the funding and monetary aspect of supporting the young adults entering the farming business.
They will also support and fund any farmers involved in the yearly appropriations process and deliver guide program applications.
Conclusion
The one constant in the farming industry is changing. Skillfully navigating the changes, many of which represent profit margin compression in producing several commodities will continue to succeed in farming operations. To survive changes in the economy, the farming industry has to embrace change.
A farmer’s business decisions are complicated by global economic factors, like fluctuating commodity prices and trade issues. A harvest can be affected by weather, insects, or disease.
There’s also the question: who is going to farm in the future? As millions of people from rural areas migrate to cities each year, farmers need to inspire enough of them to remain and build a career in agriculture.
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