News

Ensuring there’s a future for the next generation of cattle producers

Passing the farm or ranch onto the next generation is a challenge that continues to plague the ag industry.  

Brett Kenzy, Region III Director and a backgrounder from South Dakota says there isn’t an easy answer, but it starts with creating opportunity.  “R-CALF’s platform of M-COOL, of Checkoff reform, of competitive markets, and good trade policies,” he says.  “That is going to create the foundation of stone that will allow these young people to come back and bear the risk to get in this business.” 

AUDIO: Brett Kenzy, South Dakota

R-CALF president Dave Hyde a cattle producer from eastern Ohio says there are several barriers to entry. “The cost of production right now,” he says. “You take the price of cattle and the price of equipment, the price of diesel fuel, the price of fertilizer, it’s just one thing after another.” 

He says it’s an industry-wide problem that needs to be addressed. “All the farm organizations, we have to figure this out,” he says. “We need food security here in the United States, and right now we’re going the opposite direction.” 

AUDIO: Dave Hyde, Ohio