EFFECT
A new era of farming
Mike Buttram, of Buttram Farms, and Gail Ballance, of Ballance Farms, are aging farmers looking to slow down and continue the tradition of passing their lifestyle to the next generation in an ever-changing landscape.
By Gabriel Milby and Jacob Sebastian
The state of farming in the United States is in an era like no other. With the number of active farms at an all-time low and the cost of land and equipment rising, only families who already own these resources, or individuals with significant wealth, can afford to continue farming.
Cattle numbers have declined for years, driving the price of beef up significantly, while grain farmers struggle with current global trade wars that affect their prices.
All of these pressures combined push many farmers out of the industry. As cattle become more expensive and grain prices fall, farmers are caught in the middle while the government remains in constant economic disputes with countries that supply many of our essential goods.
Cattle numbers have declined for years, driving the price of beef up significantly, while grain farmers struggle with current global trade wars that affect their prices.
All of these pressures combined push many farmers out of the industry. As cattle become more expensive and grain prices fall, farmers are caught in the middle while the government remains in constant economic disputes with countries that supply many of our essential goods.
Mike Buttram is a local cattle farmer at Buttram Farms in Bowling Green, Ky. He is the son of Tom Buttram, the current owner of the farm. The Buttram family works closely with their neighbors at Ballance Farms, who operate a grain and vegetable farm.
The two families have an agreement where Ballance Farms rents a portion of the Buttram land for their grain production. Both families value faith, dedication, and the importance of working together.
The two families have an agreement where Ballance Farms rents a portion of the Buttram land for their grain production. Both families value faith, dedication, and the importance of working together.
Longhorn bulls on Mike Buttram’s property on Sept. 26, 2025 in Bowling Green, Ky. Buttram keeps the Longhorns as pets as he thinks they are pretty.
The Buttrams do well in the current farming economy. Cattle prices are at an all-time high, which pushes beef prices in stores. The higher revenue gives them more financial security, allowing them to live a more comfortable life.
Mike Buttram walks through one of the cattle barns on the Buttram farm on Oct. 12, 2025.
As of July 2025, the total head count of beef cattle in the United States is at 28.7 million head, down 1 percent from the 2023 report. The U.S. cattle herd in 2024 was the lowest it had been since 1951.
— United States Department of Agriculture, 2025
— United States Department of Agriculture, 2025
A Wall Street Journal article on rising beef prices across the U.S. due to a shortage of cattle, published Nov. 10, 2025.
Their partners at Ballance Farms are not in the best position. With the current issues affecting grain prices, there is a chance they may not break even this season.
Gail Ballance said they aren’t too worried, however. She is grateful they have already paid off much of their equipment, because they can sell things in a "worst-case scenario".
Gail Ballance said they aren’t too worried, however. She is grateful they have already paid off much of their equipment, because they can sell things in a "worst-case scenario".
Corn feed made by Ballance Farms used at Buttram Farms to feed their cattle.
Mike says that as he gets older, he is ready to slow down. While the younger generation is eager to expand the business, he feels it is time for him to step back.
He explains that he does not want to work the long hours his father, Tom, still puts in even in his eighties. Instead, Mike hopes to spend more time with his grandchildren and less time tied to the daily demands of the farm.
Similarly, Gail Ballance reflects on her own past and wishes she had spent more time with her children instead of constantly working.
Now, she hopes to hand her operations over to her son and daughter so they can continue the family tradition without carrying the same burdens she did.
He explains that he does not want to work the long hours his father, Tom, still puts in even in his eighties. Instead, Mike hopes to spend more time with his grandchildren and less time tied to the daily demands of the farm.
Similarly, Gail Ballance reflects on her own past and wishes she had spent more time with her children instead of constantly working.
Now, she hopes to hand her operations over to her son and daughter so they can continue the family tradition without carrying the same burdens she did.
Tom Buttram, owner of Buttram Farms, looks at his weight scale as he pours cattle feed from a roto-mixing truck on Oct. 11, 2025.
Mike Buttram plays “little piggies” with his grandchildren whilst at a family birthday party on Sept. 9, 2025.
In 2022, the average age of all U.S. farm producers was 58.1 years, up 0.6 years from 2017, continuing a long-term trend of aging in the U.S. producer population. Additionally, the number of producers 65 and over increased by 12%.
— United States Department of Agriculture, 2022
— United States Department of Agriculture, 2022
Mike and Gail both mentioned it is hard for farmers to make these decisions because most farmers today are older and often cannot retire. The physical demands of the job, combined with financial pressure, leave many unsure whether they should keep working or slow down to spend more quality time with their families.
The struggle between balancing responsibilities of the work on the farm and duties to their families is something many farmers across the country are facing.
The struggle between balancing responsibilities of the work on the farm and duties to their families is something many farmers across the country are facing.
WKU VJP
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