New and Beginning Farmer and Ranch Program Coordinator
Farm Service Agency
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Lilia McFarland is at the center of the federal government’s efforts to encourage younger generations to take up farming, as the average age of the farmer increases and fewer young people adopt the profession. She has helped to streamline the process for providing information and funding to new farmers.
“For somebody as young as Lilia to be able to create a working group across all these boundaries is amazing,” said Chris Beyerhelm, associate administrator with the Farm Service Agency. “Lilia’s energy, collaborative skills, persistence and engaging personality helped her span these agencies.”