Sixteen farmers across Texas were recently handed thousands of dollars to help with their businesses and they all have one thing in common -- they are young.
It's part of a farmer-funded grant that involves no state tax revenue and hopes to get the next generation established in agriculture.
Michael Adkins, a farmer in Haskell County, applied earlier this year and was recently chosen as a recipient.
For the 31-year-old, farming runs in the blood.
"I've been on the farm ever since I could walk," Adkins said.
He is a fourth-generation farmer who used to be a banker in Lubbock, but is now following in the footsteps of his father.
"My dad grew up on this farm and he's basically been a farmer his whole life," Adkins explained.
Adkins is also one of the s16 farmers that received the Young Farmer Grant -- a grant geared toward getting young people like him to dig into the field.
"I basically did it because my dad had an established operation," he said. "I don't know if I would get into it out of the clear blue."
That is the predicament many face -- and farming officials hope to change.
According to the USDA, only six percent of farmers in Texas are under the age of 35. The average age of Texas farmers and rangers is 59 years old.
So the grant is like a carrot, enticing young farmers to follow their dreams.
"You get to work outside, enjoy nature and it's fun to me," Adkins said.
For Adkins, the $9,500 he received from the grant will go toward basic costs, such as seed, chemicals and equipment.
Although it is not a huge amount, with the way farming has been going recently with the drought, Adkins said every little bit helps.
Since the grant is entirely funded by agricultural vehicle registration fees paid for by farmers -- meaning no state tax revenue -- Adkins said he is happy to pay it forward once he's established on his own.
Applications are being accepted for the next round of Young Farmer Grants. The deadline is September 7th. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000.
You can apply online at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
It's part of a farmer-funded grant that involves no state tax revenue and hopes to get the next generation established in agriculture.
Michael Adkins, a farmer in Haskell County, applied earlier this year and was recently chosen as a recipient.
For the 31-year-old, farming runs in the blood.
"I've been on the farm ever since I could walk," Adkins said.
He is a fourth-generation farmer who used to be a banker in Lubbock, but is now following in the footsteps of his father.
"My dad grew up on this farm and he's basically been a farmer his whole life," Adkins explained.
Adkins is also one of the s16 farmers that received the Young Farmer Grant -- a grant geared toward getting young people like him to dig into the field.
"I basically did it because my dad had an established operation," he said. "I don't know if I would get into it out of the clear blue."
That is the predicament many face -- and farming officials hope to change.
According to the USDA, only six percent of farmers in Texas are under the age of 35. The average age of Texas farmers and rangers is 59 years old.
So the grant is like a carrot, enticing young farmers to follow their dreams.
"You get to work outside, enjoy nature and it's fun to me," Adkins said.
For Adkins, the $9,500 he received from the grant will go toward basic costs, such as seed, chemicals and equipment.
Although it is not a huge amount, with the way farming has been going recently with the drought, Adkins said every little bit helps.
Since the grant is entirely funded by agricultural vehicle registration fees paid for by farmers -- meaning no state tax revenue -- Adkins said he is happy to pay it forward once he's established on his own.
Applications are being accepted for the next round of Young Farmer Grants. The deadline is September 7th. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000.
You can apply online at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
