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Rep. Craig says aging farm population is ‘a real problem’ for agriculture

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota says current challenges are making it harder for the next generation to get started in farming and ranching.

“I’m very worried about young and beginning farmers right now,” Democrat Angie Craig said.

Craig, the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Ag Committee, says production expenses are out of control.

“Farmers are paying more for fertilizer, paying more for diesel costs, commodity prices are still not where most would like to see them,” she said. “They are paying more for seeds, machinery, for utilities, and for labor when they can find it.”

She says access to affordable credit is one of the biggest barriers facing young farmers.

“For some of these younger farmers, they are having trouble getting the loan to be able to go into this planting season. I’m very concerned about that.”

Craig adds that the average age of a U.S. farmer has been rising, which she says, “is a real problem.”

She made her comments during the NAFB’s 2026 Washington Watch.