An Iowa cattle producer says there are major hurdles can keep the next generation out of the cattle business. Justin Robbins says the lack of equity and access to land are two of the biggest challenges.
“As an industry, I think that we need to help those younger producers,” he says. “Maybe visiting with some of the older folks that, they may think, oh, it’s only 20 acres of pasture, it’s not worth the hassle, it’s too much work for them to mess with, and they actually deter that younger producer. Instead, let them have a shot.”
He tells Brownfield state associations could play a role in connecting the two generations. “And then try to put some classes together, maybe to bring some of these younger producers in there, or people that want to be producers,” he says.
Robbins says young producers wanting to get into the cattle business should utilize any and all of the tools available to them.
