NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Most U.S. farms remain family-run, according to a new Farm Flavor analysis of USDA Census data, which shows 94.7 percent of all farms are family-owned.
These operations account for more than 80 percent of national farm sales, underscoring that American agriculture remains rooted in local, multigenerational enterprises rather than large corporate ownership.
Nationally, about 1.8 million family farms generate roughly $484 billion in annual output. The majority are small farms earning under $350,000 annually, yet they remain essential to rural economies and community food systems. Every state reports at least 90 percent family ownership, with West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky leading the nation.
Larger family farms — while fewer in number — drive more than half of U.S. agricultural output, reflecting efficiency and scale in row crops and livestock. Some states, including Texas and Maine, show wide gaps between family ownership and sales shares, indicating stronger contributions from non-family, high-value operations.
Farm-Level Takeaway: USDA data confirms American agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
Harvest Builds As Logistics And Input Costs Shape Fall Decisions
October 06, 2025 02:44 PM
·
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
·
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
October 06, 2025 10:46 AM
·
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
October 03, 2025 02:57 PM
·
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
October 03, 2025 02:30 PM
·
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
October 03, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
October 03, 2025 10:50 AM
·
“It, all of a sudden, says that tracking and fighting hunger is not a priority, apparently, at the federal level.”
October 02, 2025 01:22 PM
·
