Can the grass-based method of farming feed America? When asked that particular question, which Joel Salatin says is his favorites, he replies with a resounding "yes". The one stipulation for being able to feed the world using sustainable grass-based methods is that we would need a lot more farmers. 

Why don't more young people want to get into farming? It's honest work that allows you to be outside and work with animals. Given the choice I think most people working stressful office jobs would jump at the opportunity to do something outdoors with their hands that also paid them. It seems to me that one of the hardest parts for someone just graduating high school or college with no knowledge of farming is taking that initial plunge. Society, from an early age, tells us that we need a big house with a picket fence and a few fancy cars. We are led to believe those things equal happiness, but after seeing what getting those things entails (long hours behind a computer, time away from family, unhealthy lifestyle) I think many young people might reconsider.

Something I don't remember learning a lot about in school is finding your passion, and doing what makes you happy. There are probably thousands of lawyers, salespeople and bankers who long for a life not surrounded by four walls. A great example of this is Luke Conyac, one of our Young Washington Farmers. He may practice law part time, but after watching his video it's clear his passion is for farming.

People need to choose career paths they believe in. The importance and need for young people to step up and take on the challenge of farming has never been greater than now. We need a new generation of young farmers, the average age for an American farmer is in the late 50s, and that number is increasing each year. Get to know a farmer, talk to a farmer and find out what the career entails. You might be surprised at what you learn.