By Jamie Martin
Rural America is shrinking as younger generations leave in search of better job opportunities. Over the last four decades, government policies and industrial farming have changed the landscape of agriculture, especially in the Great Plains and Corn Belt.
As farms grew larger, local economies weakened, small towns lost services, and fewer people remained to support them.
Between 1980 and 2010, 86% of rural counties in the Great Plains and 59% in the Corn Belt lost population. Younger adults have steadily moved away, leaving behind an aging farmer population.
Today, the average American farmer is 58.1 years old, and the number of farmers under age 64 continues to fall.
Policies first introduced in the 1970s encouraged farmers to grow more at lower prices, following the “get big or get out” approach. This led to more dependence on synthetic inputs and fewer farmers running bigger operations.
As farms expanded, fewer customers were left to support small-town shops and services, causing a continued decline.
“Farmers and ranchers are going to need to take on this problem for themselves,” wrote Dr. Ryan Schmid.
A promising solution is regenerative agriculture, a system that focuses on soil health, livestock, and plant relationships. It allows farmers to rely less on external inputs and government support. Instead, they build strong relationships—with their land and with each other.
These changes help farmers save money and create local trade systems among nearby farmers. It also leads to a cleaner environment and stronger rural communities. By working together and rebuilding their land, farmers can take back control and revive rural life.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: National