The Future of Agriculture

The Future of Agriculture

Is Iowa Agriculture Headed in the Right Direction?

By Sara Preston

The world of agriculture is ever-changing. My husband Jared and I agree that if our great, great-grandparents saw how we are now farming, they wouldn’t believe it. The way we use technology and the crop yields we harvest from one field would leave them in awe. But like anything, with change, there are good things and there are growing pains. This is true of agriculture.

So, what is the future of agriculture? Most farmers and ranchers would love to know the answer. They would love to know where markets will be and what weather patterns will hold. I think it’s important to be transparent as a producer and share what I see coming down the road. As a consumer and supporter of agriculture, it’s also important for you to know and understand these predictions. If you ask me if I am excited about where agriculture is headed, my answer is “yes.” Do I have concerns about what is happening in agriculture? My answer also is “yes.” Do I still have enough hope, positivity, and passion for agriculture that I hope our children would want to farm one day? My answer is “absolutely!”

In the future, I think we’ll see a consolidation of farms. The average farmer in the U.S. is approximately 60 years old. Many farmers are retiring and transitioning the farm to the next generation – if they choose to farm. There continues to be a trend of children raised on a farm who are not coming back because of the costs to successfully run a farm, combined with the uncertainty and consistency of income based on markets and weather. Because of this trend, there will be farms that consolidate, and there will also be farmers who decide to leave the business altogether. Know that most of these farms will still be family farms, just at a larger level.

Feeding a Growing Population

Farmers will continue to feed an ever-growing growing population.

This is exciting and leaves so many opportunities for those involved in agriculture, from job opportunities to expanding technology and farm practices with the goal of increasing our yields as safely and efficiently as possible.

Innovation is what has always made agriculture stand out. We will continue to have innovative ideas and be progressive about ways to better serve our farm, livestock and land. Technology will continue to lead the way for planting, harvesting and feed equipment. It will also help us breed plants and create seeds with genetics to thrive in various growing conditions.

Marjorie Preston, a second-generation farmer from near Swea City, with her great-grandchildren Kash, Nora, Landry, Croix and Maggie.

Sustainability will still stay at the forefront of many farmers’ minds. We must grow more food, but we also must do it in the most efficient way possible to protect our land so we can continue to grow food, fuel and fiber for generations to come.

Finally, passion for agriculture will remain strong with the agriculture industry boasting some of the most intelligent, hardworking and dedicated people. The love and commitment people have for agriculture and farming makes it the cornerstone of our country.

With the help of our past, embracing future generations and utilizing technology and passion for feeding, fueling and clothing the world, Iowa agriculture is in good hands and will be able to accept any challenge and opportunity that may lie ahead.