Pennsylvania agriculture has twice as many farm operators over the age of 70 as under the age of 35. Who will be our next generation of farmers? Potential replacement farmers under age 35 make up only 8 percent of our total number of farm operators, according to the 1997 Census. Minority farm operators account for only 2.5% of the total farm operators in Pennsylvania in 1997.

Pennsylvania Farm Link is working on three major problems contributing to the decline in
potential young farmers. They are:

• The need for earlier farm succession planning.
• The need for start-up training assistance and hands-on experience for potential farm
  entrants.
• The increasing entrepreneurial skills required to generate higher profit margins.

This section of our web site is an effort to provide job training information and assistance to beginning farmers.

The information and forms do not purport to have all the answers, but they should give you some basic ideas on how to analyze, plan for, and manage farm succession to the next generation. This information in no way should be used in place of business or legal advisers. You are urged to consult with your own advisers before you take action.

Visit the Download Forms section, or contact us to receive a landholder or entering farmer questionnaire. Return your completed questionnaire along with the one-time fee to our office. Take time to carefully answer and thoroughly complete your questionnaire. It creates the "first impression" for your potential match. Searches are completed upon receipt of the questionnaire and periodically thereafter. Potential matches are mailed to you along with information and technical assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.