By Jamie Martin
In today’s world, many refer to “big ag” without fully understanding what farming in the U.S. looks like. According to the USDA, 95% of American farms are family-owned. These farms vary in size but share one purpose—to feed families and build a legacy.
While some farms operate as C-corporations, most are still family-owned businesses planning for future generations. Less than 0.1% of farms are not held by families.
Land ownership remains a challenge due to high costs. Many farmers own and rent land, and among landlords, 38% are retired farmers themselves.
Farming today is not easy. Rising supply costs, labour shortages, and outdated tools make it difficult for farms to stay in business.
Only 23% of farms survive solely on farming income. Most need off-farm jobs to make ends meet. In 2023, 15,000 farms shut down—around 40 per day.
This is why the American Farm Bureau supports programs for young and beginning farmers. Most new farmers start small, facing the same pressures as others. The organization represents farmers of all sizes, with 97% of members coming from family farms and nearly two-thirds from small or mid-size operations.
“The United States’ relationships with Italian buyers and consumers foster tens of billions in bilateral trade and investment. However, U.S. agricultural stakeholders have been unfairly left behind for far too long,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
America’s food security depends on all farms, large and small. Every farm family plays a part in feeding the nation, showing that agriculture is not “big,” but deeply rooted in family and care.
Photo Credit: american-farm-bureau-federation
Categories: National