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Young and beginning farmers and ranchers (YBFR) are found in every area of agricultural production and have a presence in every commodity produced in the USA. For the purpose of this study, beginning farmers and ranchers are defined as “those who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less” (Ahearn & Newton, 2009, p. 1) and young farmers and ranchers are defined as individuals 18-35 years in age (Montana Farm Bureau, 2012a). YBFR produce a wide variety of commodities including the leading commodities of cattle, cash grains, poultry, and dairy (Ahearn & Newton, 2009; USDA, 2007a). YBFR face many barriers to entering agriculture that have contributed to the decline in the number of YBFR including high startup costs, lack of available land, and low commodity prices (Ahearn & Newton, 2009). Different barriers and experience levels result in YBFR seeking educational programs to meet their specific educational needs and interests. Multiple researchers have indicated that younger farmers and ranchers, in multiple facets of the agricultural industry, attend more hours at educational programs than older producers. The YBFR age group was significantly more likely to attend programs on topics of future options, contracts, and animal health than older producer groups. Researchers recommended that educational programs focused on a specific need increased attendance and effectiveness of outreach programs (Hall, Knight, Coble, Baquet, & Patrick, 2003; Patrick, Peiter, Knight, Coble, & Baquet, 2007).
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