Greetings Professor Fisher,

Attached is my data report, Exploring Agriculture: Challenges and Occupational Concerns for
Young Farmers as assigned on February 29, 2024.

The three data figures in this report were chosen to explain to the reader some of the topics a
beginning farmer must consider when considering a career in agriculture. Some of the topics
include: 1) Challenges for Young Farmers, 2) Farmer Safety and Injury Rates, and 3) Farmer
Health and Wellness.

The data figures were taken from several different sources, including: a 2022 Young Farmer
Survey conducted by National Young Farmers Coalition, an article by Farm Bureau of North
Carolina citing Bureau of Labor Statistics about farm safety, and a peer reviewed journal article
published by Agricultural & Applied Economics Association about physical health, stress, and
mental health of farmers. All sources represent the agribusiness and farming industry. If any
follow-up is needed, the sources are cited throughout the paper and at the end of the paper in
the References section. The goal of this paper is to inform the reader about agriculture and
highlight some of the challenges, safety concerns, and unique stress factors young farmers are
currently experiencing. This paper is a resource for those who are considering a career in the
agriculture industry.

I hope this report is helpful and satisfactory in fulfilling the requirement for this “Data Report”
assignment. Thank you for taking the time to read and learn more about this topic.

Sincerely,

Carson Stark

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 Exploring Agriculture:
Challenges and Occupational Concerns for
Young Farmers

By

Carson Stark

San Juan College Student

4/8/2024

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 Exploring Agriculture:
Challenges and Occupational Concerns for Young Farmers

Submitted to:

Professor J. Fisher

Spring Term 2024 Professional and Technical Communication

ENGL-2210

4/8/2024

By Carson Stark

This report highlights the challenges and occupational concerns for young farmers. The data
figures are designed to explain three different components of the topic: section one explores
young farmer challenges, section two explores farmer safety and injury rates, and section three
explores farmer health and wellness. A conclusion highlighting important concepts to consider
when considering a career in agriculture is located at the end of the report. This report is not
intended to argue a specific viewpoint but rather presents the facts and allows the reader to
determine if a career in agriculture, starting as a young farmer, is a good fit based on industry
challenges and occupational concerns.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE AND ABSTRACT ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

2.0 TOP YOUNG FARMER CHALLENGES ……………………………………………………………………. 4

2.1 Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

2.2 Interpretation …………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

3.0 FARMER SAFETY AND INJURY RATES …………………………………………………………………… 7

3.1 Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8

3.2 Interpretation ………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

4.0 FARMER HEALTH & WELLNESS …………………………………………………………………………. 10

4.1 Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

4.2 Interpretation …………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

5.0 CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

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 List of Figures and Tables

Figure 1. Top young farmer challenges ……………………………………………………………. 7

Figure 2. Number and rate of fatal work injuries by industry sector, 2015 ………. 10

Figure 3. Farmer health ……………………………………………………………………………………. 12

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Report

The information in this report is designed for readers who are considering a career in
agriculture. It documents the challenges and occupational concerns associated with the
agribusiness industry and specifically farming. In section 2.0, the data explains the top young
farmer challenges based on survey data collected from 10,000 participants. The results of the
survey are contained within figure 1. In section 3.0, the data presented shows the number and
rate of fatal work injuries for all sectors including the career category of agriculture, forestry,
fishing, and hunting. In section 4.0, the data presented highlights physical and mental health
problems for farmers.

1.2 Background of the Report

Agriculture and farming is an aging worker industry. According to the USDA (2024), “the average
age of all U.S. farm producers in 2017 was 57.5 years, up 1.2 years from 2012 continuing a long -
term trend of aging in the U.S. producer population. Producers also tend to be experienced with
21.3 years on their current farm.” As farmers continue to age and retire, new, young farmers will
need to enter the workforce to ensure the needed supply of commodities and food products is
produced for a growing economy with rising population.

1.3 Scope of the Report

This report is directed specifically to those individuals who are considering a career in farming
or agriculture or have recently started farming or entered the field of agribusiness. It does not
attempt to persuade or dissuade anyone from pursuing a career in agriculture. Instead, it
presents the facts and allows the reader to formulate their own opinion.

Note: Knowledge of farming and agriculture is not needed to appreciate or understand the
concepts and material in this report.

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2.0 Top Young Farmer Challenges
This first data chart comes from the 2022 National Young Farmers Survey (Ackoff, S., Polanco, V.
G., Howard, D., Manly, J., Mueller, C., Butler, H. R., & Wyatt, L.) (fig.1) The survey gathered
responses from over 10,000 participants of past, current, and aspiring farmers who self-identify
as forty and under. It was compiled by the Young Farmers Coalition whose purpose as stated on
their website:

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFS) is a national grassroots advocacy

organization working to shift power and change policy to equitably resource our new
generation of working farmers. (“Our Purpose”)

According to NYFS (2022), “the results of the fifty-four-page survey located on the NYFC website
was conducted in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Survey Center (UWSC) ensuring
data collection, research, and analysis follows survey industry best practices and guidelines.”
The data specifies many of the various challenges new farmers experience.

Figure 1: Ackoff, S., Polanco, V. G., Howard, D., Manly, J., Mueller, C., Butler, H. R., & Wyatt, L. (2022). Building a
future with farmers 2022: Results and recommendations from the National Young Farmer Survey . National Young
Farmers Coalition. https://www.youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NationalSurveyReport22 -
1.pdf

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2.1 Summary
The first data figure contains survey results highlighting the top six most challenging issues new
farmers experience including:

1. Access to Land
2. Access to Capital
3. Health Care Costs
4. Cost of Production
5. Housing
6. Student Loan Debt
There is also a bar graph with the results from all topics surveyed including results from Young
Farmers and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Young Farmers. This includes: finding
affordable land to buy, finding available land to buy, finding access to capital, personal/family
healthcare costs, finding/maintaining affordable housing, the cost of production, finding
available land to rent, student loan debt, maintaining access to land, providing care for a family
member, family of business partner dynamics, obtaining business skills, accessing broadband,
finding or maintaining water access, and finding or maintaining employees.

Figure 1 explains the most challenging concerns for new farmers center around access to land
with 59% finding affordable land to buy as very or extremely challenging and another 45%
naming finding available land to buy as very or extremely challenging. BIPOC farmers and
ranchers identified an additional challenge of maintaining access to land. Beyond access to land,
41% of new farmers also identify access to capital to grow their business as challenging, 40%
find personal or family healthcare costs as very or extremely challenging, and 35% cite the cost
of production being grater than the price they receive for their products is very or extremely
challenging. 33% of new farmers reported that finding or maintaining affordable housing was
very or extremely challenging and 38% of all farmers carry some student debt with that number
even higher for Black young farmers at 62% compared to their white peers at 36%. Across every
question, BIPOC or black, indigenous, people of color report higher percentages across all
categories.

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2.2 Interpretation
The information in this data figure documents the 2022 National Young Farmers Survey (Ackoff,
S., Polanco, V. G., Howard, D., Manly, J., Mueller, C., Butler, H. R., & Wyatt, L.) the figure explains
to the reader which categories new farmers find most challenging and ranks them in order. The
chart does not list the exact questions asked when displaying the results, just a summary.

One of the biggest takeaways from this survey is that new farmers have many different concerns
and challenges to consider when starting or expanding a farming business. For example, when
farmers carry student loan debt, the debt may prevent them from qualifying for loans to start or
expand their farm business. Another key takeaway is centered around the cost of production.
According to the survey, “Thirty-five percent of young farmers name the cost of production was
higher than the price received for their products.” (Ackoff, S., Polanco, V. G., Howard, D., Manly,
J., Mueller, C., Butler, H. R., & Wyatt, L.)(2022). This occurs because many agricultural products
are commodities with substantial interchangeability. This means the commodity (corn, wheat,
soybeans for example) are fundamentally the same no matter who produces the product or
where it is grown globally. The price is established by supply and demand on the commodity
market and the farmer must sell at that market price, regardless of their own input costs, and
even if their input costs are higher. Another key takeaway is challenges surrounding land access
and cost. As land costs continue to rise, many young farmers are priced out of the market and
unable to find affordable land at a price that cash flows for a farming operation. Also, because
most farmers are small business owners, they must purchase their own health insurance and
the rising costs are challenging.

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3.0 Farm Safety and Injury Rates
The second data chart comes from a 2017 article on a website titled, “Is Farming America’ Most
Dangerous Job?” (https://www.firstfurrow.com/isfarming-americas-most-dangerous-job/) (fig.2)
by First Furrow Staff (those who work for and are affiliated with the North Carolina Farm
Bureau). According to the website: “About the Blog”

Since 1936, The North Carolina Farm Bureau has advocated for farm and rural
communities. They are the largest agricultural organization in the state, representing
more than 40,000 farmers.

The data chart features information from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to their
website: “The BLS is the principal fact-finding agency for the US Federal Government in the
broad field of labor economics and statistics” (www.bls.gov)

The data chart based on BLS data shows the number and rate of fatal work injuries by industry
sector, 2015.

Figure 2. Farm Bureau North Carolina. (2017, March 8). The First Furrow. First Furrow
https://www.firstfurrow.com/isfarming-americas-most-dangerous-job/ For additional information on the fatal
workinjury rate, please see www.bls.gov/iif/oshnotice10.htm.

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3.1 SUMMARY
The information in figure 2 is designed to highlight the dangers of working in an agriculture
occupation. According to the data figure, the fatality rate among agricultural, forestry, fishing,
and hunting sector rose 22.8% in 2015 leading the United States for the highest fatal injury work
rate, a rate much higher than the all-worker rate of 3.4%. Although private construction had the
highest fatal injury count at 937 versus 570 for agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, the
fatal injury rate as a percentage in construction is much lower at 10.1%. According to the data
figure, the fatal injury work rate is per 100,000 workers.

3.2 INTREPRETATION
The biggest takeaway to consider from this data figure is that agribusiness is a dangerous
occupation with occupational concerns which must be addressed through proper safety
practices. In the article, “Is Farming America’s Most Dangerous Job?” (2017), the First Furrow
Staff from Farm Bureau North Carolina stated, “Farmers operate heavy machinery, interact with
large animals, and work in confined spaces like grain bins. And farming is physically demanding
too.” Because of the nature of the work, young farmers who are considering a career in
agriculture must incorporate proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of injury or death and
to avoid being a statistic as cited in the data chart. Farm Bureau of North Carolina cites some of
the following safety concerns of their website:

Confined spaces – they have poor ventilation and are not intended for human
occupation. Dangers include falling into grain bins and asphyxiation from noxious gases.

Animal space – Be careful around large animals like cattle and horses. It is important to
know how to handle livestock and understand how animals respond to human presence.

Equipment operator space – Farm equipment is large, heavy, and dangerous. Use
patience and caution when operating equipment to avoid tractor overturns and injury
when fixing machinery.

Electrical space – Electrical shock and fires are a common farm injury. Use caution
around electrical equipment and overhead wires.

Drive Space – Be cautious on public roads when driving large farm equipment and
exercise patience.

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4.0 FARMER HEALTH and WELLNESS
The third data chart comes from an academic journal article titled, “Addressing Farm Stress:
Essential Insights for Agricultural Economists.” (2023) (Fig. 3). According to the article

Farmers are uniquely experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States. Farmers
also experience stressors specific to their field such as changing weather patterns, labor
shortages, supply shortages, volatile markets, livestock illnesses, and specific concerns
about family issues such as succession planning.

Figure 3 features many of the key points of the article summarized into an easy-to-understand
image highlighting the relationships between farm stressors, economic impacts, societal
impacts, and farmer stress and well-being.

Figure 3 Robertson, M. N., Mills, D., Sedges, H., & Buys, D. R. (2023). Addressing Farm Stress: Essential
Insights for Agricultural Economists. Choices. https://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-
magazine/theme-articles/farm-stress/addressing-farm-stress-essential-insights-for-
agricultural-economists

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4.1 SUMMARY
According to the data figure, farmers are susceptible to physical health problems and mental
health problems. These include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, suicidality, and
substance misuse. These health challenges are created from farm stressors, industry challenges
that are specific to agriculture, and economic and social changes impacting supply, demand, and
pricing. According to the 2023 article, “Addressing Farm Stress: Essential Insights for Agricultural
Economists.” (2023) (fig 3)

Stress is a response to an external cause. With farming being one of the most hazardous
and stressful occupations, farmers are more likely to self-medicate by using alcohol or
opioids as a “quick fix” for getting back to their crops of herd. For example, if a farmer
breaks their arm while working, the farmer may be prescribed an opioid medicine so they
can return to work as quickly as possible. After the farmer’s physical injury heals, the
farmer might develop a reliance on opioid medicine. The article cites an American Farm
Bureau Federation national survey that states,” three out of four farmers of farmworkers
are directly impacted by the opioid epidemic.”

The article, “Addressing Farm Stress: Essential Insights for Agricultural Economists.” (2023) (fig.
3) states:

Farming has the fourth highest rate of suicide and although not necessarily the direct
cause of suicide, risk factors like mental health challenges, social isolation, financial
problems, substance misuse, physical injuries or illness, and job problems increase the risk
of suicide.”

Physical and Mental Health is comprised of various factors, as indicated in the data figure, and
both short term and long-term stress directly impact the farmer.

4.2 INTREPRETATION
The biggest takeaway from this chart is that farming is a unique occupation with very specific
industry stressors that have a direct impact on overall farmer health. For example, farmers can
properly plan and execute a planting strategy, but have a major weather event prior to harvest
that destroys the entire crop, thus not having a profitable harvest. Events such as this cause
great stress which impacts farmer health. Farmers, who are primarily independent business
owners, also lack affordable health care or have insurance to access health care when needed.
One key point the article, “Addressing Farm Stress: Essential Insights for Agricultural
Economists.” (2023) fig 3) shares and displays in the data figure,

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 Farming sometimes requires high-intensity physical activity, like climbing up and down
machinery and working in extreme heat conditions. This high-intensity physical activity
can be extremely dangerous for someone with heart disease. Farmers who are not
physically healthy cannot properly tend to their farms, further compounding their stress
and increasing the likelihood of mental health concerns.

Overall, when physical health is comprised, mental health can be comprised causing poor
farmer health. Farmer health is a factor a new or young farmer should consider and develop
strategies to address if considering entering the agribusiness industry.

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5.0 Conclusion

Determining a career path is a challenging question for many young individuals to answer. It is
important a person thoroughly research the pros and con’s to the various occupations they are
considering to fully understand the scope of the work, demand for the work, positive aspects of
the work, and occupational challenges and concerns associated with the work. The field of
agriculture and farming encompasses many different types of careers, however there are some
general occupational challenges and concerns one must consider should they decide to work in
that career cluster.

Farmers and those in the field of agriculture have many challenges. Land access and land cost is
a challenge, access to capital, health care costs, input costs including machinery and equipment,
and student loan debt all must be considered when becoming a new or young farmer because
most farmers are self-employed. There is also an increased chance of injury due to the scope of
the work and danger associated with certain types of agricultural work. Lastly, because of the
stress factors associated with the agricultural industry, physical health and mental health
considerations must be accounted for and strategies should be implemented to maintain a
healthy mind and body. While there is no right or wrong answer to the question, should one
become a farmer, the report does inform the reader of factors that should be considered when
entering the field of agribusiness.

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 REFERENCES

Ackoff, S., Polanco, V. G., Howard, D., Manly, J., Mueller, C., Butler, H. R., & Wyatt, L. (2022).

Building a future with farmers 2022: Results and recommendations from the National

Young Farmer Survey. National Young Farmers Coalition.

https://www.youngfarmers.org/22survey/

American Farm Bureau Federation. (2017). “Rural Opioid Epidemic.”

https://www.fb.org/issues/other/rural-opioid-epidemic/

Farm Bureau North Carolina. (2017, March 8). TheFirstFurrow. First Furrow.

https://www.firstfurrow.com/is-farming-americas-most-dangerous-job/

Myers, S. (2022, March 17). Analyzing farm inputs: The cost to farm keeps rising. American

Farm Bureau Federation. https://www.fb.org/market-intel/analyzing-farm-inputs-the-cost-

to-farm-keeps-rising

Robertson, M. N., Mills, D., Sedges, H., & Buys, D. R. (2023). Addressing Farm Stress:

Essential Insights for Agricultural Economists. Choices.

https://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-magazine/theme-articles/farm-

stress/addressing-farm-stress-essential-insights-for-agricultural-economists

USDA. (2017). 2017 Census of Agriculture. USDA.

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2019/2017Census_Farm_Producers.p

df#page=2

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