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Small Farms in the United States: Persistence Under Pressure

Author

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  • Hoppe, Robert A.
  • MacDonald, James M.
  • Korb, Penelope J.

Abstract

Ninety-one percent of U.S. farms are classified as small—gross cash farm income (GCFI) of less than $250,000. About 60 percent of these small farms are very small, generating GCFI of less than $10,000. These very small noncommercial farms, in some respects, exist independently of the farm economy because their operators rely heavily on off-farm income. The remaining small farms—small commercial farms—account for most small-farm production. Overall farm production, however, continues to shift to larger operations, while the number of small commercial farms and their share of sales maintain a long-term decline. The shift to larger farms will continue to be gradual, because some small commercial farms are profitable and others are willing to accept losses.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoppe, Robert A. & MacDonald, James M. & Korb, Penelope J., 2010. "Small Farms in the United States: Persistence Under Pressure," Economic Information Bulletin 58300, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersib:58300
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.58300
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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy; Farm Management;

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