Forgive and Forget?

Despite the many sustainable advances emerging in agriculture, young people entering the profession face difficult obstacles: student loan debt and obtaining credit included. There is currently a bill before Congress that would make young farmers eligible for a student loan-forgiveness program—categorizing them as “public service workers” if they meet specific criteria. Several states—including Colorado—are leading the way with other incentives such as tax-exempt bond programs and low-interest loans for equipment, land and livestock. Says Eric Hansen, policy analyst for the National Young Farmers Coalition, “The federal proposal’s aim is to expand on these state programs, for a more complementary and comprehensive approach.” To learn more, visit YoungFarmers.org.

Did you know?

It takes a combine nine seconds to harvest enough wheat to make 70 loaves of bread. Source: Colorado Department of Agriculture