ICYMI: Farm Bureau President Emphasizes Challenges for Aging Farm Workforce

Jun 09, 2025

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall testified Wednesday on the challenges facing agriculture, as more farmers reach retirement age while fewer young farmers are entering the profession. Mr. Duvall testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

President Duvall addressed a wide-ranging list of issues, and said it’s crucial to ensure farmers can survive tough economic times to pass their farms to the next generation. Almost 40% of all farmers are at or beyond retirement age, while just 8% of farmers are under the age of 35. “As I travel to farms across this country, I see a lot of gray hair, and while the wisdom of older generations is critical, we must ensure that we are making the way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots.” Watch the video clip here.

After his opening statement, President Duvall took questions from lawmakers, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who asked about the struggles of keeping up with increases to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, which sets the hourly rate for H-2A guestworkers. President Duvall responded, “The first thing we need to do is for Congress to freeze the AEWR wage rate so farmers don’t have to take another increase. And, give us time to work on this H-2A program so we can make a workable program for our employees and for the farmer.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.