FFA Student Survey Shows High Interest in Career in Agriculture, Concerns with Start-Up Costs

04-28-2025 in News Release

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – May 8, 2025 – A recent survey conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) at the 2025 Iowa FFA Annual Conference revealed that 62 percent of students are interested in farming in the future, however, nearly half (47 percent) of these students expressed concerns about high start-up costs.

The CSIF survey, now in its 20th year, offered insight into students’ perspectives on the future of farming and the challenges young people face when pursuing agricultural careers. Notably, 61 percent of participants currently live on a farm.

FFA provides students with valuable insights into the agricultural industry while also developing essential life skills that prepare them for success after graduation. The survey showed that 76 percent of students are interested in pursuing a four-year degree or higher, and an additional 83 percent plan to farm or work in an agriculture-related field.

“I plan to attend Southwest Community College in Nebraska to become a John Deere technician before returning to my family’s row crop and livestock farm in western Iowa. I look forward to finding my place in our operation and helping it continue to grow,” said Jack Vorthmann, a senior at Treynor Community School District and an FFA member at Riverside.

The survey also revealed that 96 percent of students have a positive or very positive attitude about the future of agriculture in Iowa. “I feel optimistic about the future of agriculture because of how much technology has changed over the years and will continue to improve to provide for more people every year. Agriculture has raised so many of today’s youth and many people want to continue to build their knowledge and role in the industry because of it,” said Trudy Loeke, a senior at West Delaware High School.

Additionally, students were asked to identify the key barriers preventing young people from pursuing farming as a career. “One of the biggest issues from a cattle production perspective is the cost of land for hay and pasture ground. In addition, the cost to put up facilities is at a high right now because of material costs,” said senior Brady Streeter of I-35 High School.

During the conference, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers encouraged attendees to explore the Building Your Livestock Legacy program, a newly launched initiative designed to empower individuals to start or expand farming operations by equipping them with the tools needed to succeed. Individuals can sign up for the Building Your Livestock Legacy program by visiting supportfarmers.com.

CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy.

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