What is the Farmer of the Future?

Abstract

The 2007 Census of Agriculture provided a current description of the American farmer and helped identify emerging trends. Although agricultural production has become more concentrated, farm numbers have increased and farms have become more diversified. The University of Illinois and other land grant colleges have established Extension programs that provide educational resources to a wide range of audiences, including agricultural producers. The demand for timely information continues to grow, and the delivery mechanisms for unbiased, research-based results to agricultural producers are changing. While 57% of all farm operations currently have internet access, the growth of high speed internet access will enable producers to utilize multiple sources of information.