Survey shows Nebraska young people interested in agriculture, living in rural areas

Roger Berry 402.710.1110 or 888.580.2326

FFA members fill out an A-FAN survey during the State FFA convention. Some 240 FFA students, representing 55 different FFA chapters participated in the survey asking students about their future interests including involvement in agriculture. FFA students take part in one of two A-FAN breakout sessions held during the State FFA convention. The program gave FFA members the opportunity to learn more about the importance of animal agriculture to Nebraska.

LINCOLN, NE — Nearly 67 percent of the students who participated in a survey during last week’s state FFA Convention said they wanted to live and work in rural communities when they completed high school or secondary education, with 62 percent identifying they want to be involved in agriculture as a professional career. Some 240 FFA students participated in the survey conducted by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN).

“Given FFA’s broader appeal to students beyond traditional agriculture circles we were somewhat surprised, but extremely pleased to see so many students with a strong interest in making agriculture a career choice,” said Roger Berry, A-FAN Field Director.

Of the 62 percent that identified agriculture as a preferred career choice, more than half indicated they wanted to be engaged in production agriculture as a farmer, rancher or livestock feeder in comparison to 27 percent that indicated interest in agribusiness or other agriculture related fields.

According to Berry, the results are extremely positive for Nebraska’s rural communities and all Nebraska. “So many times we hear about brain drain and the loss of students and young people from our rural communities. What the survey is telling us is that young people are still interested and have a desire to be involved in production agriculture while calling rural Nebraska home, if they are only given the opportunity,” he added.

The survey also asked students about whether or not they felt there were hurdles that prevented young people from entering into agriculture. Fifty-four percent said they felt getting into agriculture had its challenges. The largest concern expressed by respondents was the large amount of money required in starting up and maintaining an operation due to increasing land values and high input and equipment costs. Other concerns raised by respondents were the unpredictability and profitability in agriculture markets. Negative opinions and public perceptions about farming and concerns about water availability also made the list.

“The fact that so many students recognize the challenges that exist for today’s agricultural producers, yet they still have an interest in wanting to get into the food production business says a lot about their commitment to agriculture and Nebraska,” Berry said. “In a state where one out of every three jobs is dependent on agriculture, it’s good that the next generation of agricultural producers is up for the challenge.

A-FAN is a non-profit agriculture promotion, education and producer assistance organization.