ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the average age of United States (US) farmers over time, their role, and the accompanying policy implications. The average age of US farmers was first reported in the 1945 Census of Agriculture. It was 47.8 years. The average age in the 2017 Census of Agriculture was 57.5, or 9.7 years higher. The average age of US farmers is compared with the median age of the US resident population for decennial population census years starting in 1960, with 2017 added as the latest observation. The average age of farmers is for the agricultural census year nearest to the decennial population census year. A number of programs exist to help new entrants into farming, including mentorship programs that pair younger with older farmers. The focus of these programs is on helping new entrants, but they can also provide older farmers with labor and management supports, as well as estate transfer and financial benefits.
