In the Lone Star State, agriculture employs one in seven working Texans. Our farmers and ranchers are responsible for supplying us with the safest, most reliable and most affordable food supply in the world. However, with the average Texas farmer being 59-years-old, and the world population expected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, filling the boots of retired farmers should be of concern to all Texans.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is in the process of recruiting new farmers on-line. The agency has created the Transition Incentives Program, or TIP, to help transition land to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. TIP Net is a great on-line tool that will make it easier for beginning and low-income farmers and ranchers to rent or purchase land for agricultural production.

Connecting landowners and new farmers via TIP Net is a win-win for everyone - including consumers. Farmers who find it difficult to purchase land to start or expand their operations can rent land from retiring farmers. And landowners who have spent a lifetime producing our food and fiber will stay in agricultural production, ensuring Texans continue to enjoy the abundant food supply we so often take granted.

To access the TIP Net website, visit www.fsa.usda.gov and click on On-line Services. For more information on TIP, or to learn more about farmer and rancher eligibility details, contact your local FSA office.