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
Global food prices inched upward for the third consecutive month according to the latest FAO Food Price Index. While some Americans struggle to source their next meal, others are ordering high-priced food delivery straight to their door more than ever before.
The JBS Australia study documented the carbon footprints of 176 cattle farms that claimed to be implementing regenerative agriculture practices.
Researchers in Denmark and St. Jude Hospital submitted a new study for peer review providing new insight into how High Path Avian Flu (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle differs from avian cases.

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:

Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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!
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.
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.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
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.