FFA student survey shows high interest in ag career

A recent survey conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers at the 2025 Iowa FFA Annual Conference showed that 62% of students are interested in farming in the future. However, nearly half of these students — 47% — expressed concerns about high start-up costs.

The CSIF survey, now in its 20th year, offered insight into students' perspectives on the future of farming and the challenges young people face when pursuing agricultural careers. Notably, 61% of participants currently live on a farm.

FFA provides students with valuable insights into the agricultural industry while also developing essential life skills that prepare them for success after graduation. The survey showed that 76% of students are interested in pursuing a four-year degree or higher, and an additional 83% plan to farm or work in an agriculture-related field.

"I plan to attend Southwest Community College in Nebraska to become a John Deere technician before returning to my family’s row crop and livestock farm in Western Iowa,“ said Jack Vorthmann, a senior at Treynor Community School District and an FFA member at Riverside.

“I look forward to finding my place in our operation and helping it continue to grow," Vorthmann said.

The survey also revealed that 96% of students have a positive or very positive attitude about the future of agriculture in Iowa. “I feel optimistic about the future of agriculture because of how much technology has changed over the years and will continue to improve to provide for more people every year,” said Trudy Loeke, a senior at West Delaware High School.

“Agriculture has raised so many of today's youth and many people want to continue to build their knowledge and role in the industry because of it,” Loeke said.

Students were also asked to identify the key barriers preventing young people from pursuing farming as a career. “One of the biggest issues from a cattle production perspective is the cost of land for hay and pasture ground. In addition, the cost to put up facilities is at a high right now because of material costs,” said senior Brady Streeter of I-35 High School.

During the conference, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers encouraged attendees to explore the Building Your Livestock Legacy program, a newly launched initiative designed to empower individuals to start or expand farming operations by equipping them with the tools needed to succeed.

Individuals can sign up for the Building Your Livestock Legacy program by visiting supportfarmers.com.