Wisconsin is one of the North Central states most severely affected by declining farm numbers. Declining farm numbers in Wisconsin is primarily a problem of farm career entry. Farmers leaving the profession greatly outnumber those entering. Yet young folks are finding it hard to get into farming, while others are finding it difficult to retire. In addition to our
education and training programs for beginning farmers, CIAS has researched dairy farm entry and quality of life.
Dairy farmer career paths: getting in, out, and by (Research Brief #26)
The experiences of New Zealand’s dairy farmers may help their colleagues in Wisconsin boost the state’s dairy industry. That’s the conclusion of a study on dairy farmer career paths sponsored by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS).
New Zealand historically has attracted young people into farming through dairy industry leadership efforts and the creation [...] [...more]