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At the age of 18, Jimmy Drake embarked on his farming journey in Littlefield.
Under the relentless West Texas sun, he had acquired extensive knowledge about agriculture from his father. Returning home, he would be coated in dirt that possessed limited value, mainly for cultivating cotton.
For the past seventy years, he has been in charge of land management. Within this time span, there have been periods of great abundance and also moments of devastating events. Throughout all of these experiences, Drake was driven by a strong sense of family and a clear purpose. He felt as though he was just as much a part of the land as the land was a part of him.
Last year, a dedicated employee who had been with us for a long time decided to resign. The task of managing the farm, which spans over 2,500 acres and is more than three times the size of the State Fair of Texas, suddenly became overwhelming for a single person. Due to his age of 85, Drake had no choice but to retire. However, unlike his father and grandfather who continued the family tradition, Drake’s children have decided not to inherit and continue the farm.
Drake, currently at the age of 86, is not an isolated case when it comes to farmers facing this predicament. Nor will he be the final one. The year 2017 witnessed a staggering number of Texas farmers in a similar situation: close to 41,000 individuals aged 75 or above, with an additional 65,000 falling between the ages of 65 and 74. It is an undeniable reality, akin to the sun’s predictable rise in the east: the aging population of Texas farmers is unable to sustain the demanding physical labor.
The rise in the average age of farmers is not specific to Texas alone, but is actually a nationwide phenomenon. According to the 2017 agriculture census, the average age of farmers in the United States increased by 1.2 years compared to the figures from the 2012 census.
Drake’s son, a retired farmer himself, often encounters situations where individuals either lack beneficiaries for their land or face disinterest from their own family members.
“We are elderly and we don’t have enough young people coming along,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “A lot of these farmers will sell because none of their heirs want to take over the operation.”
Drake considered himself fortunate as Tanner Heffington, a reliable and farming-savvy neighbor, graciously agreed to oversee the land.
Drake expressed his gratitude for Tanner’s presence, although it didn’t entirely alleviate the discomfort he felt due to his family’s long-standing connection to the farmland. However, he acknowledged the inevitable passage of time.
Drake found it hard to grasp the reality that, after two generations, the Drake farm would no longer be tended to by his family. It felt as unsettling as the dry soil beneath his boots.
Cotton, Drake’s friend and occasional bitter rival, was deeply intertwined in his life. Drake couldn’t bring himself to walk away and allow his land to be sold to someone else. Drake admitted that if his employee hadn’t left, he would still be able to continue.
According to Whit Weems, head of education outreach at Texas Farm Bureau, despite a significant number of producers nearing retirement age, farmers seldom opt for formal retirement.
Weems expressed that farming and ranching are not just passions, but also lifelong vocations. He emphasized that farmers will persistently engage in this work until their demise or until their health constraints prevent them from doing so.
In Littlefield, a small town almost 40 miles northwest of Lubbock, Drake effortlessly found someone to take it over.
Heffington is not only the grandson of Drake’s best friend but also someone who Drake considers as family.
Heffington, aged 31, and Drake share a genuine bond that has developed organically throughout Heffington’s entire life. From as far back as Heffington can recall, the duo has made a tradition of having lunch together every Sunday and maintaining regular phone conversations. Drake vividly remembers Heffington’s playful antics as a toddler and also the time when, as a teenager, Heffington unintentionally sparked a significant grass fire in town, which made headlines.
“Heffington playfully quips that Drake practically left him no option but to handle his sprawling 2,500 acres.”
Drake emphasized, “It requires a specific type of individual, one who is naturally suited for it.”
They have also formed a connection through agriculture, sharing a sense of pride in their contribution to the nation’s food, fuel, and fiber industries by cultivating cotton.
Heffington gazed at the surrounding farmland and expressed, “The sensation of working tirelessly throughout the year and witnessing the growth of that crop is indescribable. And when it’s time to harvest, the sense of accomplishment in saying ‘I cultivated that’ is truly remarkable. This is our routine, our normalcy.”
The farming industry may not be appealing to some young individuals for understandable reasons. In Texas, farmers encounter distinctive obstacles such as drought, storms, and unpredictable markets. Additionally, starting a farming venture can be quite expensive, as evidenced by Heffington’s initial tractor purchase of $49,000.
The outcome of a farmer’s year, whether flourishing or indebted, can hinge on a single machinery breakdown.
The young farmers — those 35 and under — who do take this on only account for about 9% of the state’s farms.
Programs have been specifically developed by agricultural officials to address the obstacles that may prevent young farmers and ranchers from entering the industry.
The Young Farmer Grant program by the Texas Department of Agriculture is open for people 18-46 years old and provides money for creating or expanding a business. The grants can range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Commissioner Miller stated that they have provided assistance to numerous individuals in getting started and believe that they receive a favorable return on their investment. They believe that these individuals simply require a small amount of support to initiate their progress.
Miller also applauded livestock shows across the state that provide scholarships for young people and similar programs, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Farm Bureau.
According to Weems from the Farm Bureau, the individuals showing interest in their program comprise a combination of young individuals returning to their family farms and newcomers who possess limited experience but a sincere passion for agriculture.
Weems clarified that there are chances for young individuals to collaborate with those who are considering transitioning out of farming or handing over the farm to the next generation. As agriculture plays a crucial role in our survival, it is vital for young people to remain actively involved.
Since Heffington began farming, he has witnessed several farmers in his vicinity retiring, and he can easily recall at least six of them. However, despite the opportunities, he has made the decision not to expand his land holdings any further. Although he enjoys assisting Drake, a farmer situated 20 miles away from Heffington, he has set a boundary for himself and will not take on any additional acres at this time.
Heffington explained, “I believe my team and I have reached our limit in terms of what we can accomplish. Although I am currently satisfied with our progress, I anticipate that things will inevitably change in the future.”
Having witnessed the obstacles firsthand while growing up on his dad’s cotton farm, Heffington is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, his extensive knowledge and familiarity with cotton make him determined to pursue it as his future. Similar to Drake, he envisions himself staying in the industry for a significant duration.
Heffington stated, “I will continue until I am unable to or until an unforeseen event occurs. I simply cannot envision myself engaged in any other pursuit.”
Drake, even in his retirement, experiences the same reality.
Drake, between sipping his morning coffee in Littlefield and heading out for an afternoon coffee in nearby Sudan, willingly assists Heffington with various tasks on the farm, fearlessly hopping onto the tractor when needed.
Drake confessed, “Every day, I make the journey to that farm. It’s not only to oversee Tanner’s progress, but it’s also the place where I’ve spent my entire life. I simply can’t resist returning there.”
Disclosure: Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and Texas Farm Bureau have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
