Issuu

Six issues affecting farmers

MetroCreative

The agricultural sector continues to face unique challenges. Issues affecting the farm sector have a ripple effect that affects domestic food security and the economic strength of rural communities.

To adapt to the changing landscape, farmers need to identify strengths and weaknesses in their operations, and then collaborate with policyholders to create a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all involved. The following are six notable challenges farmers face in modern agriculture, based on data from Verdesian, a nutrient use efficiency company; AgAmerica, an agriculture lending firm; and Pinion, a business advisory organization.

1. Labor shortages

Finding and retaining skilled agricultural labor is a notable challenge. The aging farmer population, coupled with labor shortages, is a concern. There is a need for new talent in farming as older generations are retiring and younger ones are failing to fill in the gaps.

2. Depletion of agricultural resources

The global population continues to grow, which means the demand for food and other agricultural products is increasing. This puts a strain on the resources farmers rely on that may be in short supply.

Farming utilizes a considerable amount of the world’s freshwater supply, and farmers must continually identify ways to manage water resources efficiently, including wastewater reuse initiatives. As fossil fuels are also finite resources, the agricultural industry must pivot to renewable energy alternatives, some of which may require considerable costs to retrofit current operations.

3. Inflation and food prices

Although the cost of food is no longer as high as it was just a few years ago, consumers are still feeling the pinch at supermarkets and other retail stores. Shoppers may continue to tighten their budgets and spend less on food, which may translate into reduced demand for produce and other food products. The food price outlook is uncertain, and historical data indicate that food price deflation only occurred once in the past 50 years. Farmers may have to adjust operations to produce more for less.

Technological overhauls

It’s becoming increasingly necessary for farms to utilize new technolo-

gies and embrace automation. Some farmers may lack training in using and applying these technologies, which may necessitate education or skills to manage new tools, or the hiring of skilled technicians from a shrinking agricultural workforce.

Climate change

Climate change and extreme weather can have a notable impact on farming. Weather events like droughts, floods and storms have become more common and severe. Farmers are vulnerable to unpredictable conditions and crop yields.

Animal illnesses

One only has to look to the recent

avian influenza outbreak to understand the disruption illnesses can have on livestock. The disease has led to mass culling of infested flocks, resulting in widespread losses in chickens, financial burdens on poultry farms and disruptions to egg production that have driven up costs. Bird flu is not isolated to poultry, either. Avian flu can affect dairy cattle, causing decreased milk production and cow death.

The need for cleanup procedures and biosecurity measures from these illnesses puts an added financial burden on farmers.

Modern farmers face numerous challenges that necessitate adjustments to meet consumer demands.

Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates the significance of farms in relation to the gross domestic product of the United States economy. In 2023, farms contributed $222.3 billion, or roughly 0.8 percent of the nation’s GDP. Though that’s a significant contribution in its own right, it only tells a small part of the role farms and farmers play in establishing a healthy national economy. Additional sectors, such as the food and beverage industry and textiles, apparel and leather products, rely on the agricultural sector to contribute to their own success. Without a thriving

agricultural sector, those industries would falter, thus creating a domino effect that could prove devastating to the nation’s economy. That link is why the BEA estimates the agricultural sector is an even bigger contributor to the nation’s GDP than it may seem. Indeed, the BEA indicates the agricultural sector, in conjunction with food and related industries, contributed around $1.54 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, a contribution that accounts for roughly 5.5 percent of the nation’s GDP.

— MetroCreative

MetroCreative

How to build stronger rural communities

MetroCreative

Small towns and rural communities often lack the attention they deserve, and their needs can easily be overshadowed by those of larger cities. Small town needs are ever-changing and unique to their respective locations.

While some rural communities have experienced a downward trend between 2010 and 2020, the numbers are complex and not universally applicable. Still, many of these areas can use help, as they are facing steep population declines, according to FWD.us. This bipartisan political organization says that in the last 20 years, departures from rural counties outweighed new arrivals by 700,000 people.

Empowering rural communities and helping them grow comes down to some key areas of focus.

■ Create a walkable Main Street.

Planning boards can carefully consider where well-thought-out development should go. While it’s crucial to maintain the integrity of the rural community without too much building, having a walkable and attractive town center where businesses can thrive is key.

Families can live close by to daily destinations, and this may encourage more people to relocate to or stay in these areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

■ Help for farmers. Government officials need to hear more about the challenges farmers face. Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama and Biden administrations, says programs like the Climate Smart Commodities Program can help farmers. This program pays farmers a pre-

mium for using sustainable agriculture tools, or practices that make use of innovative farm products that produce renewable energy. Farms that work efficiently and lower the burden of labor on farmers are a boon for rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics indicate the majority of farmers in the United States have to supplement their incomes with off-farm jobs because smaller farms simply can’t keep up to make ends meet. Fighting for policies that keep more money going to small farms can strengthen rural communities.

■ Improve infrastructure and resources. Rural communities need access to the right resources to thrive. Improving access to high-speed internet, for example, can bring new business and educational initiatives to rural areas and small towns. Lenders

can be more receptive to local entrepreneurs to help stimulate economic growth and job creation in these communities, according to the professional development group StrengthenND.

Priority should also be given to improving roadways so residents can safely get to and from homes, stores and businesses.

■ Protect open spaces. Rural communities can rally to protect the landscape and help preserve open spaces. Focus should also be placed on providing places for recreation, and not only for local residents. Such features can make smaller towns more appealing to tourists, which in turn can increase investments in the local economy.

Small towns and rural communities can use certain strategies to foster growth and sustainability.

What consumers can do to support local farmers

MetroCreative

A strong agricultural sector is vital to a healthy economy. Turbulence has affected local and national economies in recent years, and the global economy has endured its own ups and downs during that span.

Though there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to economic struggles, consumers can make a difference by supporting local agricultural producers. A 2022 report from researchers at Maryville University indicated roughly 10 percent of workers across the United States were employed in the agricultural sector, which the report also noted contributes $7 trillion annually to the national economy. Job creation and economic output are two major reasons to support local farmers, and

consumers can do that in various ways.

■ Shop local. The shop local movement can make a notable impact on local economies, and it affects more businesses than brick-and-mortar stores on Main Street.

Locally owned restaurants and grocers often source their food from local farmers, so patronizing such businesses supports those who set up shop on Main Street as well as the farmers who stock their shelves and pantries.

■ Purchase seasonal foods. The organization Green America, which offers advice on how environmental sustainability produces stronger economies, notes that purchasing seasonal foods is a great way to support local farmers. Farmers grow seasonal foods throughout the year to take advantage of natural conditions.

Photos: AssociAted Press

Stressed corn grows in a field Aug. 18 in Paw Paw, Mich.

Consumers who adjust their purchasing habits with the seasons by buying in-season foods are likely supporting local agricultural producers. Read product labels to determine where foods are coming from. Non-seasonal foods are likely imported from far away, which has a detrimental impact on the environment and local economies.

■ Buy directly from local farms. Most consumers purchase their food from grocery stores near their homes, but it might be possible to buy directly from local farmers. Farmers can use e-commerce tools to sell directly to local residents, and might even offer delivery services that are more convenient than driving to the nearest chain grocery store.

■ Act as an advocate for

local producers. Consumers have considerable power, and that power can be exercised in numerous ways.

Supporting restaurants that source foods from local farmers is one way consumers can exercise their power. But consumers also can advocate for local farmers by supporting legislation and candidates that prioritize building and supporting a strong local agricultural sector. Consumers also can advocate for local farmers by sharing their experiences via social media, word-of-mouth recommendations or writing positive reviews through aggregators like Google Reviews.

A thriving agricultural sector benefits local economies, and consumers can do much to support the farmers who operate in their towns.

THE SPACE YOU’VE WORKED FOR

Nicolle Ritchie, an extension agent with Michigan State University, moves through a corn field while scouting for pollination issues Aug. 18 in Nottawa, Mich.

THE BEST IN STORAGE BUILDINGS, LARGE

OR SMALL

The many ways a thriving agricultural sector is beneficial

Inflation has been a hot topic for several years running. Many businesses have been forced to raise their prices in an effort to combat a host of variables, including materials costs, labor shortages and political uncertainty across the globe. That’s been hard on consumers’ and business owners’ pocketbooks, and precisely when inflation will simmer down remains a mystery.

Though the cost of many goods and services has skyrocketed in recent years, discussions about inflation often focus on the rising cost of groceries. According to USDA Economic Research, food prices in the United States rose 23.6 percent between 2020 and 2024. That’s led many people to cut back on luxuries like dining out. As people dine out less, they may be looking to expand their culinary horizons at home, and that goal is best achieved when the agricultural sector is put in position to meet consumer demands. Indeed, that link is just one of the many ways that a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone. A strong agricultural sector greatly benefits the economy

Job creation is widely cited as a pathway to economic recovery, and a well-supported agricultural sector can create millions of jobs. The agricultural tech firm Sabanto estimates that 2025 began with around 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the farming industry. A 2022 report from Maryville University indicated the agricultural sector contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy, employing as many as 10.3 percent of the nation’s workers. The link between a thriving agricultural sector and a strong economy is

undeniable, making it a worthy endeavor to support policies that prioritize agriculture.

A thriving farm is a productive farm

Modern grocery stores offer an abundance of healthy foods, many of which are grown on farms. The Farm Bureau reports that a single acre of land can grow various crops, producing as many as 50,000 strawberries or just under 2,800 bushels of wheat. Consumers who enjoy visiting grocery stores that offer an array of fresh,

nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, should know that those options are only available when a thriving agricultural sector is prioritized.

Farms vital to the production of other products as well

Maryville University notes that a thriving agricultural sector is involved in more than just food production. IFP Energies notes that bio-based chemistry uses raw materials derived from biomass, such as plants like wheat, corn and potatoes, to produce an array

of products, including inks, dyes and detergents. So it’s not just the foods people eat that can be traced to a thriving agricultural sector. Biobased chemistry is also considered green because it promotes a reduction of the environmental impact of industrial production. There’s no shortage of reasons to support a thriving agricultural sector.

Indeed, consumers from all walks of life benefit in myriad ways when the success of the agricultural sector is prioritized.

Strategies to navigate the labor shortage

Labor shortages can make it hard for any business owner to compete, and those working in the agricultural sector are no exception to that reality.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Aging notes that the median age of farmers in the United States is 58, and more farmers are older than 65 than under 44. That doesn’t bode well for the future, but the labor shortages confronting the agricultural sector pose an immediate problem as well.

A January 2025 report from the agricultural tech firm Sabanto noted there are currently 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the agricultural sector. Labor shortages pose a unique challenge, but the following are some strategies agricultural operations can consider to overcome a lack of help.

■ Look for ways to automate. Automation can be a lifeline that helps to meet the challenge of labor shortages within the agricultural sector. Modern technology enables the completion of various tasks, such as water measurement and soil analysis, through the use of automated sensors or programs.

Automation can allow farmers to direct their limited personnel resources toward tasks that require hands-on work.

■ Join forces with fellow farmers. Another potential solution is to pool limited labor resources with other farmers in your area. Farmers can collaborate to identify and train workers as specialists, who can

then be transported to various sites to perform vital tasks necessary for each farm's survival.

■ Cut down on field operations when possible. Reducing reliance on tasks that cannot be automated is another strategy to confront the labor shortage. For example, no-tillage farming methods require fewer personnel. Seasonal farming that limits operations during times of year when the available workforce is particularly scant can also help navigate the labor shortage.

■ Encourage local politicians to promote legislative solutions. Policy reform that prioritizes access to labor within the agricultural sector can serve both short- and long-term needs. Farmers can contact local politicians and let them know about the challenges facing the agricultural industry, offering invaluable feedback that can be used to write and promote farmer-friendly legislation.

The agricultural sector faces immediate and long-term labor shortages. Confronting that sizable challenge may require a willingness to embrace new strategies and promote essential policy changes in the years ahead.

MetroCreative

Career opportunities in agriculture

Individuals approach their careers in various ways. Some may aspire to climb the corporate ladder, while others may pursue a career that affords them ample personal time to spend how they see fit. Many individuals look for jobs that afford them ample opportunities to work in the great outdoors, which could make the agricultural sector an appealing industry.

Talented individuals with an array of diverse skills dot the agricultural sector landscape, and the following are just a few of the many careers to consider within this vital industry.

Equipment technician

Data from the career experts at Indeed indicates agricultural equipment technicians earn an average salary of around $65,000 per year. Agricultural equipment technicians maintain and repair existing machines and install new ones, among their many responsibilities.

Purchasing agent

An agricultural purchasing agent buys products and raw materials at wholesale. Indeed notes that purchasing agents often must meet specific purchasing quotas for processors and work with various clients who supply an array of agricultural products. The national average salary for agricultural purchasing agents is around $51,000 annually.

Warehouse manager

The receiving, shipping and storage of agricultural materials is overseen by

a warehouse manager. Indeed notes that these professionals now routinely utilize artificial intelligence products to manage inventory. Warehouse managers must know and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines that dictate how materials and products are stored. The average salary of a warehouse manager is around $52,000 per year.

Sales

Like every industry, the agricultural sector requires talented sales personnel. Agricultural sales reps sell materials and products and identify the needs of potential customers. Agricultural sales reps may spend ample time on the road at trade shows. Doing so allows them to identify customers as well as their needs and wants, and promote their own products and services. An ability to foster strong and trusting interpersonal relationships is invaluable for agricultural sales reps, who, according to Indeed, earn an average of about $60,000 per year.

Environmental engineer

Environmental engineers play pivotal roles within the industry, and could become even more vital in the decades ahead as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Environmental engineers design and implement solutions on agricultural sites, addressing issues such as unhealthy soil, insufficient drainage and inefficiencies, among other concerns. A career as an environmental engineer within the agricultural industry can be rewarding and lucrative, with Indeed noting that the average annual salary for this position is a little more than $77,000.

These are just some of the career paths individuals can consider as they

ATTENTION

Teachers, students and parents

Send us your color weather drawing for our weather report. Children ages 4-12 may submit their art work along with their name, age and school to hsweather@heraldstandard.com. Categories are: sunny, partly sunny, rain, cloudy and snow.

Three challenges facing the agricultural sector

MetroCreative

Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in early 2020, businesses of all sizes have faced significant challenges. Though the pandemic has ended, many sectors, including the agricultural industry, are facing familiar and unfamiliar challenges.

The agricultural sector is crucial to the survival and health of billions of people across the globe. Though it’s evident that modern agriculture is vital to feeding a global population that was greater than eight billion people at the dawn of 2024, the United Nations notes that agriculture also boosts prosperity and economies by providing jobs. That reality only underscores the notion that the challenges facing the agricultural sector are facing everyone, even those whose livelihoods are not directly linked to the industry. According to Earth.org, an organization that offers environmental news, data analysis, research and policy solutions, the following are three sizable challenges facing modern agriculture.

1. Climate change: Perhaps no challenge is

greater for humanity in the twenty-first century than climate change, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Climate change has caused shifting weather patterns marked by unpredictability and potentially disastrous developments like prolonged drought. Estimates from NASA indicate corn yields may decrease by 24 percent by the end of this century, a potentially dangerous development linked to a host of factors, including a shifting climate and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations that can be traced to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Population growth: The booming global population is attributable to numerous factors, including longer life expectancies in developed nations due to medical advancements. How to keep the global population fed at a time when the climate is adversely affecting crop yields is a significant challenge facing both humanity and the agricultural sector. As the population grows, so, too, does the demand for water, which also must be used to grow crops. Navigating this challenge will be significant, and how it’s managed could affect the economic stabili-

ty of the agricultural industry in the decades to come.

3. Investment: Perhaps no industry is more vital to human survival than agriculture. Earth.org notes that countries with strong agricultural sectors often boast higher standards of living and health than nations with a less productive farming industry. Despite that, Earth.org notes that investment in the farming sector is not commensurate with the growing population. Supporting measures to invest more heavily in the agricultural industry could reduce food shortages in the decades to come and ensure the agricultural sector is better positioned to address the many challenges it is already confronting in the twenty-first century. The challenges facing the agricultural sector affect those who work in the industry but also the global population as a whole.

Recognition of that reality may compel more people to support measures designed to ensure the agricultural sector can thrive and help the world to overcome potentially devastating challenges in the decades ahead.