Small farms are the lifeblood of rural communities.
According to the Farm Bureau, 97 percent of American farms are owned by families.
Small family farms make up the majority of farms nationwide and operate a higher share of acres altogether than any other farm size.
It’s important to note that the distinction “family farm” does not necessarily always mean a small-scale operation. Ten percent of farms owned by families generate more than $350,000 in annual revenue. Despite this, small-scale farms are mired in a long-term decline, according to recent U.S. Department of Agriculture reports.
Driven by economic pressures, government policies generally are favoring large operations, consolidation and tighter competition.