Beginning Farmer Center helps with transition to younger generation

By Jennifer Carrico

Future generations are what will keep agriculture alive. However, often times the future generation in a family isn't interested in farming or there simply isn't anyone to take over the farm. That's when farmers look for another way to keep the legacy alive.

A farm transition specialist with Iowa's Beginning Farmer Center, David Baker works with young people and farmers to help with the transition between generations.

"Our goal is to prepare the next generation of farmers in Iowa. We want to save the family farm and bring people back to the farm," said Baker.

Baker wants to help young people find a place on the farm. That isn't always on their own family farm. He also helps connect young people with farmers who don't have a successor.

Dallas County farmer Matt Pelzer grew up on a farm in northern Iowa. He did grow up farming with his father, but decided to go to college to become an aircraft mechanic.

After college, Pelzer would help a family friend on his farm near Grimes during the day and would work at the Des Moines airport at night.

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