Ag is 'cool' again, boosts state economy

Agriculture is one of the bright spots in the American economy, and is responsible for much of Nebraska's position as one of the states with the lowest unemployment in the nation.

But the average age of American farmers increased from 50.3 in 1978 to 57.1 in 2007, with farmers aged 65 and older comprising the fastest growing group of farm operators.

With those kinds of demographics, how long can Nebraska count on agriculture to keep it afloat?

The FFA has long expanded into all types of agricultural enterprises, but with more than 3,300 high school students set to attend the group's annual convention in Lincoln next week, we can see reason to hope.

"Agriculture is experiencing a renaissance right now," said Matt Kreifels, who is state supervisor for agricultural education for the Nebraska Department of Education and is an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "The message is getting across that agriculture is more than production. It's about how to feed an expanding world population. We need the best and the brightest students to make that happen. What's the effect? Agriculture is cool again," Kreifels said in a report by statepaper.com.

FFA members will be seen throughout Lincoln as they participate in a "Day of Service," including activities such as a clothing drive on the UNL campus, helping at the People's City Mission and spending time with residents at the Tabitha Care Center.

Of course, they'll take part in traditional workshops such as ag sales, agri-science, environment and natural resources, farm management, floriculture, food science, livestock management, livestock selection, marketing, meats evaluation and identification, nursery and landscape and welding.

We have to admit a bias toward FFA members, who always seem to impress us with their personal discipline, entrepreneurial spirit and high achievement.

It's encouraging to know that McCook has an active FFA chapter again, and that the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is involved in efforts like the 100-Beef Cow Ownership Program to encourage and cultivate beginning ranchers and farmers.

Now that it is "cool" again, it looks like Nebraska will be able to count on agriculture far into the future.