A strong future for American farming takes all of us

By Daryn Kracht Group President, Agriculture and Trading, North America at Cargill

Daryn Kracht is Group President, Agriculture and Trading, North America at Cargill. On National Farmers Day, he reflects on the resilience and ingenuity of American farmers, the importance of strong partnerships and connected supply chains, and how the agriculture industry can help create opportunities for the next generation of farmers.

 

American farmers are adapting to high input costs, unpredictable weather and fast-changing markets, all while producing the food people depend on. In more than two decades in agriculture, I’ve seen that adaptability firsthand—in advances in genetics and equipment, better forecasting tools and new technologies that help farmers make decisions. Farmers keep finding ways to do more with the resources they have. That’s one reason I’m optimistic about the future of American agriculture.

But the future of farming depends on more than what happens on the farm. Farmers are connected to processors, transportation providers, retailers, manufacturers and consumers. When those relationships work well, farmers have better access to markets, customers can count on reliable supplies, and the food system is better equipped to handle disruption.

That connection creates responsibilities for everyone along the way. Companies like Cargill that buy, move and process crops need to do our jobs reliably and efficiently. We need to understand the realities farmers face, including the risks of weather, changing markets and rising costs. And communication has to go both ways: farmers need a clear sense of what customers are looking for, while customers need to understand what it takes to produce crops and run a successful farm.

Those conversations can lead to stronger partnerships and better decisions. For example, a food or beverage company that understands what a new requirement means for farmers is better positioned to work with them on a practical path forward. No single part of the value chain can create a resilient food system alone; progress depends on people understanding how their decisions affect one another.

As we recognize National Farmers Day, I’m reminded of the ingenuity and determination farmers bring to their work every day. They care for the land, adapt their tools and practices, and keep looking for ways to strengthen their operations—all while managing factors beyond their control.

I grew up on a farm, and farming remains an important part of my family’s life. I may have left the farm, but farming has never left me. I see that connection in the work I do today, and I look forward to every chance my brothers, nieces and nephews give me to climb into a combine or tractor—or lend a hand with the livestock.

Those moments remind me that the next generation needs to see a future in farming. We all have a role to play: listening to farmers, understanding the challenges they face and making decisions that support their long-term success. A strong future for American farming is a shared responsibility.