Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector

Food Security, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Nevada, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, Vermont, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Many communities across the United States are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. This work protects farmers’ bottom lines, helps strengthen economies and meet the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced foods.

Here are a few examples of that work:

In Nevada, Extension professionals collaborated with the Nevada Farm Bureau and the Clark County Master Gardener Program to implement a roundtable project to identify the needs of beginner farmers in the region. Two new programs were implemented to provide training, resources and certification opportunities to small-scale and new farmers. With the help of Extension professionals, 80% of program participants created business plans and budgets that will optimize their small-acreage operations and contribute to a resilient local food system and economy.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; USDA Capacity – Extension. See full statement.
In Alaska, warmer weather is expanding opportunities to grow small grains. While some oats and wheat are already grown for animal feed, identifying higher quality grains that grow well in Alaska would allow farmers to diversify and market these grains for human consumption, which has a higher market value and contributes to greater food security. To this end, researchers are trialing hundreds of varieties of barley, wheat and oats. These trials have resulted in the release of a hulless barley cultivar, which the Alaska Flour Company now uses to produce barley flour, and researchers are closer to developing a malting barley that can be sold to local brewers. Marketing products as “Alaska Grown” can increase both farmers’ and brewers’ income.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service; Hatch, Hatch Multistate. See full statement.
An Open Farm Week in Vermont continues strengthen community connections and promote sales of farm-fresh products such as honey, vegetables and yogurt. In 2024, more than 50 farms, orchards and wineries participated. Many farmers reported that the event helped attracted new customers and increase sales. Networking and relationship-building were also helpful in raising awareness about where food comes from and addressing misperceptions about farming.
University of Vermont Extension; Smith-Lever (3b&c). See full statement.
The dairy industry in Texas is becoming more technologically advanced and faces labor shortages. To address these challenges, the industry is seeking more tech-savvy dairy workers. Since 2019, Extension professionals have led programs that have trained more than 320 high school students on various aspects of dairy operations. As part of the program, dairy producers open their farms, providing students firsthand experience in daily operations, thus bridging the knowledge gap between education and industry practice. After participating, 85% of students indicated they may consider a career in the dairy industry.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; State appropriations, Private Grants and Contracts. See full statement.