Rural America's Future

For years now young people have left the family farm for college never to return to the family business of farming. This pattern created a situation where the majority of our nations farmers are over the age of fifty; an age that while not old, is definitely on the other side of prime for any career. But contrary to popular opinion, the family farm and rural life isn’t disappearing just yet. Interestingly, many young adults originally from rural communities and fresh out of college are deciding to return to their roots, where the values match their own. Yes, the face of agriculture has changed considerably over the last several years, but that can be a good thing. These talented, intelligent, high achieving young people are just what struggling rural communities need. Perhaps the real challenge is for rural communities to welcome young people back and embrace the promise they represent - making as many resources available to them as they can to help them feel connected and involved with the mainstream of community decision making so they can have a thriving, successful future. These young men and women are after all, our future.