2009 Farm and Rural life Poll

I agree with Gordon Arbuckle’s view that a lot of farmer’s are getting older with no replacements because, as recent research has shown in Iowa, 42 percent of farmers plan to retire in the next five years.  Also, only about 50 percent of the retire farmers have a know successor.  That is close to a fourth of  Iowa ‘s farmers with out a successor.  These ideas support my argument that young adults need to start farming.  This problem is not only in Iowa but is nationwide as well.  Farming is a very important job that is essential to our growing population.  I do not understand why people would not want to farm.  It might be hard labor at times but you are your own boss and can work around your schedule making you somewhat flexible.  Also since you cannot farm during the winter, you get long breaks off.  Farming also gives many benefits with it as well as a fun and enjoyable lifestyle.  Even though farmers do not have a fixed income with hard work it can be very financially rewarding.   I hate when people (my city slicker cousins) try to make fun of me because they think there is nothing in the country to do other than eat corn in bib overalls.  But really I can do just about everything they can.  So people should not rule out farming because of it’s location.  Yes, farming is not for everyone but with hard work and dedication you can make a very comfortable life for you and your family.