Agribusiness leaders address workforce aging and need for stable farm bill
June 04, 2025 | Aging (Special), Special, Select and Other Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The government meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of the aging farm workforce and the challenges facing America's family farms. Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for reforms in trade, labor, and the farm bill to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Mr. Locker, an expert in agribusiness, emphasized the widespread impact of an aging workforce not only on farms but also within supporting agricultural companies. He noted that the agricultural community has enjoyed a stable workforce for nearly 40 years, but this is rapidly changing. As many executives in agribusiness approach retirement, there is a significant risk of losing valuable institutional knowledge that is crucial for maintaining a robust food supply.
Statistics presented during the meeting indicated that up to half of current agribusiness executives could retire by 2035, raising concerns about the future leadership and expertise in the industry. To address this, companies are implementing succession plans and mentorship programs aimed at pairing younger employees with seasoned leaders. This initiative is designed to facilitate knowledge transfer and attract new talent to agriculture, especially in light of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and automation.
Mr. Locker also stressed the importance of a stable farming community, which he believes begins with a well-structured farm bill. He argued that stability in farming would encourage investment in technology and tools necessary for farmers to thrive. Currently, uncertainty in profitability and predictability is hindering such investments.
The meeting concluded with a call for greater awareness and interest in agriculture among younger generations. As the industry undergoes a technological transformation, attracting new leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge will be critical for the future of American agriculture. The discussions underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the agricultural sector to secure a sustainable future for family farms.
Mr. Locker, an expert in agribusiness, emphasized the widespread impact of an aging workforce not only on farms but also within supporting agricultural companies. He noted that the agricultural community has enjoyed a stable workforce for nearly 40 years, but this is rapidly changing. As many executives in agribusiness approach retirement, there is a significant risk of losing valuable institutional knowledge that is crucial for maintaining a robust food supply.
Statistics presented during the meeting indicated that up to half of current agribusiness executives could retire by 2035, raising concerns about the future leadership and expertise in the industry. To address this, companies are implementing succession plans and mentorship programs aimed at pairing younger employees with seasoned leaders. This initiative is designed to facilitate knowledge transfer and attract new talent to agriculture, especially in light of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and automation.
Mr. Locker also stressed the importance of a stable farming community, which he believes begins with a well-structured farm bill. He argued that stability in farming would encourage investment in technology and tools necessary for farmers to thrive. Currently, uncertainty in profitability and predictability is hindering such investments.
The meeting concluded with a call for greater awareness and interest in agriculture among younger generations. As the industry undergoes a technological transformation, attracting new leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge will be critical for the future of American agriculture. The discussions underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the agricultural sector to secure a sustainable future for family farms.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting