ADM and American Farmland Trust Partner to Bolster Farmer Resilience in the Midwest

Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has announced a new partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT) to provide critical support to farmers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri. The initiative, backed by a $500,000 investment from ADM Cares, aims to strengthen the economic viability, environmental stewardship, and personal well-being of agricultural operations in the region.

Addressing Growing Challenges in the Agricultural Sector

The partnership comes at a time of increasing pressure on American farmers. Last year, 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy, a 46% increase from 2024 [ADM News Release]. Farmers are navigating shifting market demands, evolving trade policies, rapid technological advancements, and ongoing economic uncertainty. Soybean farmers in Illinois, in particular, have faced challenges due to the economic impacts of prior tariffs and rising costs for essential inputs like fertilizer, seed, and pesticides [IPM Newsroom].

The Farm Forward Initiative and Key Support Areas

The collaboration is part of ADM’s Farm Forward Initiative, a long-term commitment to supporting American farmers. The program will focus on three key areas:

• Succession Planning: Providing technical assistance to help farmers effectively transition their farms to the next generation.
• Production Resources: Connecting farmers with essential resources to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Financial Assistance & Market Access: Offering grant funding to support productivity, expand market access, and enhance overall farmer well-being.

Demographic Shifts and the Future of Farmland

A significant driver behind this initiative is the impending demographic shift in American agriculture. Approximately 300 million acres of farmland are expected to change hands over the next decade due to the aging farmer population [IPM Newsroom]. In Illinois alone, over 20% of farmers are 65 years of age or older, with an average farmer age of 58 [IPM Newsroom], [Business Record]. Maintaining farmland in use is crucial, especially given the high quality of agricultural land in the Midwest.

Statements from ADM and American Farmland Trust

“The Farm Forward Initiative reflects our continued commitment to working alongside American farmers and strengthening America’s farm economy,” said Gary McGuigan, ADM Senior Vice President and President, North America Ag Services & Oilseeds and Global Trade [ADM News Release]. “By partnering with trusted organizations like American Farmland Trust, we’re offering American farmers access to the tools, resources and support they need to strengthen their businesses, care for their land, and sustain their families.”

American Farmland Trust President and CEO John Piotti emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that it is “designed around having support that will allow farmers to be that much more resilient in a variety of ways” [IPM Newsroom].