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
January 02, 2025 02:01 PM
January 02, 2025 12:15 PM
·
Rural areas across the United States are experiencing significant shortages of attorneys, CPAs and other tax professionals, creating “legal deserts” that hinder farmers and ranchers’ access to essential business services.
December 31, 2024 11:49 AM
·
RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen with Kansas’ Washburn School of Law breaks it down in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
December 27, 2024 10:03 AM
·
Legal issues can arise for farmers and ranchers when conducting business informally or in another state. RFD-TV Ag Law & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explores both topics in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
December 03, 2024 11:11 AM
·
Key legal & tax insights for farmers, like accumulated earnings tax, using 401(k) to start farming, ag data in court, and maximizing farm home-sale exclusions when selling your farm.
November 14, 2024 05:03 PM
·
November 08, 2024 12:25 PM
What are some common mistakes that farmers and ranchers make regarding estate planning? Here are a few key ideas to consider from RFD-TV Ag Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law.
September 24, 2024 01:43 PM
·
RFD-TV Farm Accounting & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses crucial legal and tax issues for farmers and ranchers to manage operational risks in this Firm to Farm blog post.
September 23, 2024 03:02 PM
·
