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Iowa FFA members optimistic about agriculture’sfuture

Despite the current economic and regulatory challenges facing farmers, Iowa FFA’ers are extremely optimistic about agriculture’s future. And a growingnumber of them want to farm after completing their education.

According to survey conducted at their state leadership conference in mid-April, ninety-six percent of Iowa FFA members say they have a positive or very positive attitude about agriculture. When asked if growingcrops and raising livestock will be part of their future, 76 percent of respondents said yes. That’s up from 66 percent in 2008 and 55 percent in 2005, the first year the survey was taken.

Among those not wanting to farm, 59 percent say they’ll pursue an ag-related career.Options cited were ag education, crop sciences, ag broadcasting and large-animal veterinary medicine.

The survey is conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.