South Dakota Holds Symposium for Beginning Farmers, Ranchers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The state Agriculture Department and South Dakota State University are holding a symposium on challenges faced by beginning farmers and ranchers.

State Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones says the average age of a South Dakota farmer is 57. He says that's due to the continually rising costs of land, equipment and other inputs that make it difficult for young people to get started in farming and ranching.

The symposium will be held Nov. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at the student union on the SDSU campus in Brookings.

University of Nebraska agribusiness professor Ron Hanson will give a two-part keynote address. Hanson is working on issues involving the transfer of farms and ranches to the next generation.

Bones says college students and young farmers and ranchers should attend.

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