The Census of Agriculture provides a wealth of data on the state of the industry. Economists with NASS recently took a look at farm topology, peeling back the layers of each operation.
“The farm topology sort of slices this up by looking at what’s called the gross cash farm income. Under value production, that farm produces many, many dollars in value production. But the part that comes back to the farmer is just the fee he receives. Cash farm income and the farm topology just count the part that the farmer gets for his fee. Value production counts everything that came off the farm,” said Joseph Parsons.
Economists uncovered that producers on small farms tend to be new to the profession and have served in the military, and they also likely rely on off-farm work to get by. They also discovered that farming has become a retirement plan, with many new small farmers over the age of 65.
Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
September 29, 2025 09:58 AM
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Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.
September 26, 2025 04:58 PM
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Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
September 26, 2025 04:48 PM
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Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
September 26, 2025 04:35 PM
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Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.
September 26, 2025 01:36 PM
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China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
September 26, 2025 11:55 AM
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