PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
June 28, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach today announced the launch of a new web site designed to assist the next generation of Nebraska's farmers and ranchers.

The site, www.NebraskaBeginningFarmer.org, was created by staff at the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). The site is a directory of resource providers and their programs that are focused on first-time farmers and ranchers. It includes links to a number of sources that provide financial information to those entering a career in agriculture, as well as links to non-financial entities that provide valuable information and guidance to anyone interested in Nebraska agriculture.

"As more of Nebraska's farmers and ranchers near retirement age, we must ensure that young people who want to enter agriculture production are receive or have every opportunity to do so,"Ibach said."This web site is a one-stop directory for new farmers and ranchers, providing them links to several programs and resources dedicated to beginning agriculture producers."

Ibach said that the average age of the U.S. agriculture producer is over 55 years. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, less than 6 percent of all U.S. farmers are under the age of 35.

"A strong agriculture economy is vital to Nebraska's future," Ibach said. "It is important beginning farmers and ranchers are aware of the resources already available to them. This web site is an important tool in that educational process."

The site will continue to be developed with further resources and enhancements added in the near future.