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Why U.S. Agriculture and Rural Areas Have a Stake in Small Farms

Author

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  • Steele, Cheryl J.

Abstract

Despite a two-thirds decline in the number of farms since 1945, small farms remain important contributors to rural communities and U.S. agriculture. They constitute 60 percent of all farms, own 29 percent of farmland held by farmers, and hold 39 percent of the farm sector’s net worth. Small farmers often concentrate on alternative crops and niche markets, pioneering new areas for U.S. agriculture. They also contribute significantly to the rural economy as purchasers of inputs and supplies, preservers of the rural landscape, and sources of off-farm workers in local economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Steele, Cheryl J., 1997. "Why U.S. Agriculture and Rural Areas Have a Stake in Small Farms," Rural America/ Rural Development Perspectives, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, vol. 12(2), February.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersra:289731
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.289731
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    Cited by:

    1. Hughes, David W. & Brown, Cheryl & Miller, Stacy & McConnell, Tom, 2008. "Evaluating the Economic Impact of Farmers’ Markets Using an Opportunity Cost Framework," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 40(1), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Tegegne, Fisseha & Singh, Surendra P. & Duseja, Desh & Ekanem, Enefiok P. & Bullock, Fitzroy (Roy), 2012. "Pigeonpea as a Niche Crop for Small Farmers," Journal of Food Distribution Research, Food Distribution Research Society, vol. 43(1), pages 1-6, March.
    3. Adhikari, Suraj & Illukpitiya, Prabodh & Fisseha, Tegegne & Enefiok, Ekanem, 2017. "Comparative economic analysis of on-farm biodiesel production," 2017 Annual Meeting, February 4-7, 2017, Mobile, Alabama 252766, Southern Agricultural Economics Association.

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