American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall recently testified before The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging about the challenges facing agriculture. He told the committee that as more farmers reach retirement age, fewer young farmers are entering the profession.

“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,” he said.

Duvall pointed to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture, noting that nearly 40% of all farmers are at or beyond retirement age, while just 8% are under the age of 35. That shift, he said, poses a long-term threat to the continuity of America’s food supply and rural economy.

He urged Congress to modernize and pass a new five-year farm bill and expand access to credit for beginning farmers. Duvall referenced the financial burdens that farmers now face, noting that farm debt is projected to reach $560 billion this year, while ad hoc payments are projected to be the lowest since 1982.

“With rising interest rates, higher energy prices and supply costs that have gone unchecked, farmers will plant one of the most expensive crops ever,” he said.

Duvall also highlighted the need to reform the H-2A guest worker program. When questioned about labor challenges, he warned that if lawmakers do not freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, farmers may be priced out of farming. He advocated for a more streamlined, modernized guest worker program that works for both employers and employees.

“A country that cannot feed its people is not secure,” Duvall said. “In order to meet the growing demand for food, fiber and renewable fuel at home and abroad, we must ensure the continued strength of our farming and ranching communities.”

Taxes and mental health were also discussed during the hearing.

“It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to not talk about it,” Duvall said.

He described how stigma often prevents farmers from discussing their struggles but promoted AFBF’s “Farm State of Mind” initiative for helping break that silence.

The possibility of the largest tax increase in American history is also adding to the stress and uncertainty that farmers, ranchers and many other small businesses are facing.

“One provision that is crucial for keeping family farms going to the next generation is the increased estate tax exemption,” Duvall said. “If the exemption level reverts, many families risk losing their farms.”

View the entire hearing here.

Read the AFBF testimony as prepared here.