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Are American Family Farms Disappearing? 

Trimble Agriculture

The American family farm is the cornerstone of our nation—but is its existence in jeopardy? As the land of the free and home of the brave, the American family farm has been a foundational part of this nation and the meaning of independence. According to the 2022 ag census, family farms still dominate U.S.

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Revitalizing Rural Communities Means Supporting Small Farms

Food Tank

It changes what your vision of a family farm is and how you have to go about getting there.” Between 1935 and 2023, the number of farms in the U.S. decreased by 72 percent, while the average farm size nearly tripled. Independent family farms are the bedrock of healthy rural economies,” says Treakle.

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Commentary: A Chorus for Conservation

Daily Yonder

In the face of all sorts of adversity—challenges posed by agricultural consolidation; threats from farmland conversion; injustices that farmers of color have faced for centuries and still face today—it is affection, rooted in a deep connection with the land itself, that inspires their devotion and care. Why stay instead of sell? It’s honest.

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The Path to Land Ownership for U.S. Farmers 

Trimble Agriculture

farmland that is rented or leased. At the same time, the number of farms and farmland in the U.S. lost nearly 142,000 farms from 2017 to 2022. During that same period, an estimated 20 million acres of farmland went out of production. Since 2002, there has been a steady increase in U.S. has been in decline.

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Moving into the Agrihood

Modern Farmer

Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, in the picturesque marshes of the Kiawah River, sits more than 100 acres of working farmland. But unlike neighboring farms that focus on production for faraway markets or keep a single family afloat, the farm at Kiawah River is supporting 185 families who live in the surrounding homes.

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Three Key Farm Trends from the 2022 Ag Census 

Trimble Agriculture

Between the years 2017 and 2022, America lost almost 20 million acres of farmland. Despite this rapid decline, the average farm size increased five percent to 463 acres. This ag census data highlights the trend toward farm consolidation as more and more family farm operations are feeling the pressure to go big or get out.

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USDA Announces $300 Million in Awards to Support Access to Land, Capital, and Markets for Beginning and Undeserved Framers

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

In addition, over the last decade, farmland prices have doubled nationwide and risen far higher in areas with pressure due to real estate development or commodity prices. Every piece of land purchased as a result of this project will be ushered through a three-pronged approach to increase farmland ownership by underserved farmers.