Date of Graduation
Spring 2023
Degree
Master of Science in Agriculture
Department
College of Agriculture
Committee Chair
Christine Sudbrock
Abstract
As the average age of the American farmer continues to increase (NASS, 2019), concerns about attracting future agriculturalists remain. Several governmental programs exist to assist beginning farmers and ranchers (generally defined as those with 10 years or less experience as a principal operator), but unfortunately numerous barriers remain. Using focus groups and qualitative analysis, this research aims to identify critical factors of success. Focus group participants were farmers who participated in beginning farmer and rancher programs, those who had not participated in beginning farmer and rancher programs, and program administrators . Attention was paid to their use of social capital as they entered the industry.
Keywords
beginning farmers, social capital, social networks, trust, reciprocation, beginning farmer and rancher programs, focus groups
Copyright
© Claire E. Eggerman
Recommended Citation
Eggerman, Claire E., "Exploring the Role of Social Capital in Beginning Farmer Success in the State of Missouri" (2023). MSU Graduate Theses. 3875.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3875
Open Access
