Brady and Melissa Smith are hoping to farm full-time
I tell you what, it’s a weird feeling sometimes to realize that you're about the same age as the average for U.S. farmers—58.
What makes me feel about 25 again is spending some time in the new social network, Farmers for the Future.
Agriculture Online started this group last fall, but the network stems from a long-standing Successful Farming magazine feature on young and beginning farmers, as well as a micro website and an e-mail newsletter.
The mix of farmers in the network demonstrates the diversity of agriculture in this country. You can find young families taking over good-sized operations from their parents. There are back-to-the-land people who are exploring new niches, like organic crops and free-range livestock. And there are aspiring aggies who are working in town and scraping together some kind of stake in the land.
If you ever wonder about the resiliency of American agriculture, just take a look at even a small selection of their photo galleries. It's fascinating to see how some folks favor their machinery, others their kids, the livestock, crops, beautiful country scenery, and, yes, just a snapshot of you takin' off on a motorcyle with your baby on the back.
Topics in the forums and blogs today give you a flavor of what’s on tap in the “electronic coffeeshop:" marketing, input costs, family matters, fixing equipment, getting started, government programs, and, of course, the future.
One of my favorite features is a new blog by Brady Smith, who writes on farm life and his work in town. His journal reminds you that the drama on the farm is not always in the big debates and issues of the day, but in the chores and routines of daily life.
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