Primary Blog/Agriculture Stewardship/Where Have All the Farmer’s Gone?

Thursday, April 06, 2023

Where Have All the Farmer’s Gone?

We can’t discuss profitable agricultural stewardship without looking at the sad reminder of what happens when profitability isn’t a priority. We can look to legal troubles, inheritance tax, changing climate, droughts, loans and liens, the Three D’s of farm failure: debt, divorce, and death. Any one of these could have been the cause of a single farm going under, but to understand the trend across the country we’ve got to look at all of them.

If you’ve ever driven down a rural county road you’ve experienced an “unsettling” phenomenon: for every farmstead you see there are at least two or three more that stand empty. The houses are either falling down or already in a heap. The barn may be storing some old, nutritionless grass hay, and there might even be several rust-covered horse drawn implements tangled up with weeds and trees along the fencerow. A century ago these farms were the dreams of men and women who came to work the land. What happened to them? We can’t discuss profitable agricultural stewardship without looking at the sad reminder of what happens when profitability isn’t a priority.

We can look to legal troubles, inheritance tax, changing climate, droughts, loans and liens, the
Three D’s of farm failure: debt, divorce, and death. Any one of these could have been the cause of a single farm going under, but to understand the trend across the country we’ve got to look at all of them. 

Family farms are disappearing for several reasons, including:

  • Economic pressures: Small family farms often struggle to compete with larger commercial operations that benefit from economies of scale. Family farms may face higher costs for equipment, supplies, and labor, which can reduce their profitability and make it difficult to sustain the business over time.
  • Land consolidation: As larger commercial farms expand, they may purchase neighboring family farms or lease their land, reducing the number of small family farms in the area. This trend can also make it more difficult for new farmers to enter the market, as land prices may be too high for small-scale operations.
  • Aging farmers: Many family farmers are aging and do not have a younger generation to take over the farm. This can lead to the sale of the farm or its consolidation into larger operations.
  • Changing consumer preferences: Consumers are increasingly seeking out organic and locally sourced foods, but many small family farms lack the resources to make the transition to these types of production methods.
  • Government policies: Agricultural policies, including subsidies and trade agreements, may favor larger commercial farms over smaller family farms, making it more difficult for family farms to compete in the marketplace.

Overall, these factors and others contribute to the declining number of family farms in many regions. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of family farms in promoting local food systems, preserving biodiversity, and supporting rural communities, and efforts are being made to support these operations through policies, programs, and initiatives.

Saving a Family Farm

Saving a family farm can be a complex process that depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and scope of the operation, the specific challenges facing the farm, and the resources available to the family. Here are some general steps that can be taken to help save a family farm:

  • Assess the financial situation: Take a detailed look at the farm's finances, including revenue, expenses, debt, and assets. Identify areas where costs can be reduced and revenue can be increased, such as by diversifying crops, improving marketing strategies, or seeking out new markets.
  • ​Develop a business plan: Create a detailed business plan that outlines the goals and strategies for the farm, including financial projections, marketing plans, and operational plans. This can help the family identify areas where they need to focus their efforts and resources, and can also be useful when seeking out loans or other forms of financing.
  • Seek out financial assistance: Look for government programs, grants, loans, and other sources of financial assistance that can help support the farm. Many organizations and agencies offer resources and guidance to help farmers access these programs.
  • Consider land conservation and preservation options: If the farm is at risk of being sold or developed, explore options for land conservation and preservation, such as conservation easements or farmland trusts. These options can help protect the land and keep it in agricultural use.
  • Seek out training and education opportunities: Participate in training programs and educational opportunities to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on best practices for farming. This can help improve the farm's productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
  • Build community support: Engage with the local community and build support for the farm by participating in farmers' markets, community events, and other outreach efforts. This can help raise awareness of the farm and build a customer base.
  • Get a Mentor! Trying to keep track of all the things you need to change, adjust, fix, or embrace in order to save your operation can feel outrageously overwhelming. A mentor is there to help you through that change. You’re not alone in this, we want to help you save your family, your freedom, and your farming heritage.

Overall, saving a family farm requires a combination of financial planning, strategic thinking, and community support. By taking a proactive approach and seeking out resources and support, families can work to preserve their farm for future generations.


See other posts like this one:

Monday, April 10, 2023

Winter Calf Loss vs. Profitable Ranching

Saturday, April 08, 2023

Can a Family Farm be Profitable?

Wednesday, April 05, 2023

What is Good Farm Stewardship?

Tuesday, April 04, 2023

Can Regenerative Agriculture Feed the World?

Tuesday, April 04, 2023

Profitable Ranching is More than Marketing

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Winter-Proofing Your Cow/Calf Operation

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

When Did Regenerative Agriculture Start?

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