Regions Differ in Reliance on Family-Owned Agriculture

Regional differences indicate that family ownership is universal, but farm structure and commodity mix determine the extent to which these operations drive agricultural output.

Shelly_Muzzall_01_21_19_USA_WA_Three_Sisters_Farm_012.jpg

3 Sisters Family Farm (FarmHER S4, Ep. 9)

FarmHer, Inc.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Family-owned farms dominate every region of the U.S., but their economic footprint varies widely across the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Plains, Southwest, and Northwest. USDA Census data analyzed by Farm Flavor indicate that family ownership exceeds 90 percent across all regions, yet output shares vary by scale, crop mix, and local infrastructure.

Family farms in the Midwest achieve some of the highest production levels, with states such as Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin reporting both high ownership and high sales shares. The Southeast, including Georgia and Arkansas, mirrors this pattern, with family farms accounting for most output.

Great Plains states such as Kansas and Colorado, however, exhibit wider gaps: more than 93 percent of farms are family-owned, yet many sales originate from larger non-family operations.

In the Northeast and Northwest, high ownership persists, but the presence of specialty crops and consolidated operations increases output variability.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Regional differences indicate that family ownership is universal, but farm structure and commodity mix determine the extent to which these operations drive agricultural output.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist

READ MORE: Family Farms Continue to Dominate American Agricultural Production

Related Stories
Recent USDA reports show a steady feedlot supply despite growing consumer demand for beef, ahead of typical seasonal summer trends.
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Tammi Arender takes us to Produce Ridge, where we meet Louisiana farmer Charles Holley as he continues a family legacy over 100 years old, and teaches his grandchildren the value of working the land.
Lower costs improve competitiveness, but demand remains uncertain.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.