With student loan debt affecting two-thirds of college graduates today, paying for college is a substantial barrier for young farmers and ranchers who face continually rising land costs. The number of beginning farmers in America fell by 20 percent between 2007 and 2012 alone.
“Niman Ranch recognizes that combating the burden of student loan debt is crucial to helping new farmers stay on the land,” said Founding Hog Farmer, Paul Willis. Over the past 11 years we have dispersed almost $500,000 to the children of our farmers and ranchers who are committed to furthering their education to continue rural enhancement.