1870 was the first US Census in which farmers were in the minority (47.7%).Today, only 1.3% of Americans are still farming and increasingly do so on operations of over 2,000 acres. Even so, family farms still make up 98% of our agricultural sector. Farm ownership still reflects the legacy of the Homestead Act of 1862 as a great deal of current farmland still belongs to descendants of the 19th century homesteaders.
According to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture in 2017, the largest share of the US agricultural land is owned by families and individuals (201.5 million acres of cropland and 223.8 million acres of pastureland). Partnerships and family corporations own most of the remaining private land with non-family corporations holding only 3.1 million acres of cropland and 6.4 million acres of pastureland.
The remaining farmers have typically expanded their operations by renting additional acres rather than by purchasing land. That approach makes perfect sense in the high risk, moderate reward business of farming where the likelihood of a year with bad weather or low commodity prices makes it too risky to take on a big mortgage.
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Better yields build long-term value. The decisions made during the growing season become part of the farm’s performance story. Over time, consistent production records can support operational planning, inform investment decisions, and help demonstrate the value of the land. Important metrics to watch for crop yields are crop moisture content and overall crop health, including… Crop Yield Improvement
The wrong starting price can shape every decision that follows. Without the right information, landowners may enter the market with expectations that do not reflect the property’s performance, position, or current buyer demand. Our five-day Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Farmland Value helps you understand what informs farmland pricing before a sale begins. Start the guide… Cost of Information Gaps
Root Agricultural Advisory
2670 S. Eagle Rd. Meridian ID 83642
(208) 753-2333 info@rootagadvisory.com
