From the Corner of the Circle L: Just a Thought!

Passing the Circle L Ranch to the next generation, will it happen?

The other day I read an article that Amanda Radke had written in Beef Magazine. I have been thinking about what I read for days now and decided that I would share my thoughts with you today. I encourage you to read it. I have listed the link below:

http://beefmagazine.com/blog/no-ranchers-under-age-35-2033-say-it-ain-t-so

After reading Amanda's article I then read the article in Rangeland. Rangeland suggests that there will be no one under the age of 35 in the year 2033! Wow! I had to read it over and over to understand their theory. I have listed the link below for you to read it.

http://www.rangelands.org/whatsnew.shtml

In 2033, I will be 53. Our oldest son will be 30, our middle son 28, our twins 22! At those times in their lives I hope and pray that they have a solid foundation. I want them to be able to choose what they want to do with their lives. I would love for them to be in agriculture, but I also know that I will support them in any career that they may choose. I know that I work every day to ensure that our kids have an opportunity to come back to our ranch.

Growing up in Wyoming on a farm that had cattle too, I never dreamed that I would be reading about dying farms and ranches, but the reality of it is that it may happen. I also never dreamed that I would be blogging about my way of life, or even sharing my life on the web, but I am! I am not ashamed of what we do for a living. In fact, I am proud, and that is why I have made it my goal to educate and promote Ag by telling my story.

Do I think that there is opportunity in Ag for all young people?

Yes, I do. Ag businesses offer a lot of different career opportunities. I also know the joys and the discomforts of having a ranch. Some days are hard, but most of them are rewarding.

Do I think that there will be a shortage of young men and women that want to be involved in Ag?

While I think it is going to be harder to buy into a farm or ranch, I believe that the Ag Community will be thriving in 2033.

Thank you Amanda for your article and thank you for letting me share my thoughts!

"While this report is disturbing, I believe there will still be opportunities for young peopleto get into production agriculture. With that in mind, the typical definition of what makes a farmer or rancher might look a lot different by 2033. Young people will find new, creative ways to diversify. Off-farm incomes will be critical to maintain cash flow. Online, at-home businesses will become more of a mainstay. We are already seeing this trend now, so I only see that expanding in the future." Amanda Radke, Beef Magazine