Minnesota’s farmers are getting older—and fewer young people can afford to replace them.The average Minnesota farmer is now nearly 60 years old, and fewer than 10% are under 35. To help reverse that trend, the state is offering up to $20,000 to help first-time farmers buy their first farm. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen explains the program has already helped 130 Minnesotans get started. To qualify, applicants must earn less than $250,000 in gross annual farm income and show they have farming experience or knowledge.
