Report in a Snapshot

With increased concerns over the ageing of US farmers, attracting and retaining new growers and ranchers has been a continuous effort of USDA programs. The 2022 Census of Agriculture (AgCensus) collected separately for the first-time data on young producers, i.e., female and male operators less than 25 years of age. In the US 296,480 young producers were documented. This report discusses highlights for the young producers recorded in Louisiana.

1) Demographics: Out of 3,589 young producers, 37% are women, 93% white.

2) Primary Occupation: About 81% of young producers work off-farm jobs.

3) Experience & Decision Making: 52% of young producers have less than five years of farming experience and they predominately engage in day-to-day decisions.

4) Production Focus: Beef ranching, sugarcane farming, and aquaculture among the top 5 production specialties where we see a high concentration of young producers.

5) Market Value: Highest concentration of young producers in farms in the $50,000 or more economic class, indicating a positive trend toward profitability.

Visit the Farm Labor website to find publications in the series for selected subgroups including producers with military service, female producers, and new and beginning producers.

See PDF for the full report.