WASHINGTON, DC (KFGO) – Workforce shortages are rampant in almost every sector of the economy but Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says she hears about the problem without fail every time she meets with farmers and ranchers. And the problem is only getting worse.
“The average age of Minnesota farmers is 57 and it’s trending up. And farming and ranching is a wonderful business but it’s hard work and it’s hard to break in, especially if you don’t come from a farm family,” Smith said.
Smith and Republican congressman Tom Emmer from the state’s 6th District have come together to introduce new legislation to address the issue called the ASPIRE Act – Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts.
“It would set up work-based training programs, internships, and apprenticeships through colleges and nonprofits like the National Young Farmer Coalition to give people hands-on experience. You could do it through a two-year program like South Central College in north Mankato or the big land grant colleges like North Dakota State or the University of Minnesota,” she said.
Smith says they hope to include the language as part in the 2023 Farm Bill.
