BONHAM, TEXAS – Farmer and ranchers in Texas and in Fannin County are getting older. That has some farmers and agriculture officials concerned about the future. 
 
“As the average age of the American farmer goes up, so does our need to bring more young people into agriculture,” said Jerry Magness, Fannin County Farm Bureau president and local farmer/rancher.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) farm census, aging farmers are the fastest growing segment in agriculture. The age group of 65 and older is increasing—nearly 22 percent between 2002 and 2007.

The Fannin County Farm Bureau is rising to meet that challenge through its sponsorships of Agriculture in the Classroom projects and sponsoring youth at the Texas Farm Bureau’s Youth Leadership Conference held each summer.   Magness calls that a good start.

“We have to get young people motivated,” he said. “Farming and ranching offers a way of life like no other. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding. We need more young folks to see that.”