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The Generation Shift

In our latest installment of Global Trends, we dive into a topical issue in the world of agriculture: the generational shift. Hosted by BKT Network’s Ann Helena and Adrian Bell, this episode explores the pressing question: Who will be the farmers of tomorrow? With the average age of farmers in many developed countries leaning towards the late fifties and sixties, the future of farming is at a pivotal juncture.

In this episode, we shed light on the challenges and opportunities for the next generation of farmers. We also connect with a diverse panel of guests, including Matthew Tilt, a UK farming magazine editor; Diana Lenzi, the president of CEJA (the European Council of Young Farmers); Scott Downey, a professor from Purdue University, USA; and Giorgia Scaglia from the family-run Scaglia Farm near Turin.

From the changing dynamics of farming journalism and the role of technology in modern agriculture to the challenges young farmers face in accessing land and capital, this episode is packed with insights. Discover how the next generation is gearing up to take on the mantle, the barriers they face, and the innovations they bring to the table.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion about the future of farming and the passionate individuals shaping it.

Guests
  • Matthew Tilt
    Matthew Tilt
  • Diana Lenzi
    Diana Lenzi
  • Scott Downey
    Scott Downey
  • Giorgia Scaglia
    Giorgia Scaglia
Did you know?
  • Did you know that the average farming career might last 45 to 50 years?
  • Approximately one-third of farmers are likely to retire during the next 15 years, indicating a significant generational transition in the agricultural economy.
  • According to Purdue University research, an intriguing 36% of farmers believe they are above average, demonstrating their confidence in technology in farming.
Matthew Tilt
Matthew Tilt

Matthew Tilt has always had a passion for writing; he expanded this passion by studying journalism at Staffordshire University. During this time, he began writing for several online publications. Today he is Machinery Editor of Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer – an agricultural machinery journal from the UK. Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer was launched in 1972 and continues to service generations of professional agricultural contractors. Matthew Tilt is also a jury member of Tractor of the Year – an international award for the best tractor in the European market.

Diana Lenzi
Diana Lenzi

Diana Lenzi is a young farmer from Tuscany where, since 2008, she manages her family’s winery. She cultivates and processes grapes to make Chianti Classico wines, olives for EVO and ancient grains for flour and pasta. Diana has been involved and active in Confagricoltura (ANGA) since 2012, when she founded the section for Siena of which she was President for 6 years. Since then, she has been President at the regional level and Vice-President at the national level from 2015 to 2019. Following that she became ANGA delegate for CEJA, targeting her experience at EU level. Since June 2021 she has been CEJA’s President.

Scott Downey
Scott Downey

PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF CFAB, PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Scott Downey is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, where he teaches courses in sales and marketing. He is the lead author of “ProSelling: A Professional Approach to Selling in Agriculture and Other Industries.” 
Scott is also Director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business. He teaches in many of the center’s programs.
In the last years, he has been doing extensive research on generational shift by examining the most current graduates.

Giorgia Scaglia
Giorgia Scaglia

Giorgia Scaglia is a representative of the young generation of people in farming. She has a degree in a branch of economics,  information and corporate communication management. She works at her family farm – the Scaglia Farm – and takes care of the  communication of the company. Scaglia Farm was born in 1931 when her grandfather started it with just 20 cattle. Generation after generation, the farm has become bigger by following important values such as sustainability at 360° and quality.

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