Fact Check: The number of small farms has decreased as large farms have increased.

Fact Check: "The number of small farms has decreased as large farms have increased."

What We Know

The agricultural landscape in the United States has undergone significant changes over the past century. Early in the 20th century, agriculture was characterized by a high number of small, diversified farms. However, by the 21st century, agricultural production has become increasingly concentrated in a smaller number of large, specialized farms. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of U.S. farms peaked at 6.8 million in 1935 but has since declined significantly. As of 2024, there were approximately 1.88 million farms, representing an 8% decrease from 2017 (when there were 2.04 million farms) (source-1).

In terms of farm size, the average size of farms has increased over time. In 2024, the average farm size was 466 acres, slightly larger than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. This trend indicates that while the number of small farms has decreased, the remaining farms are larger and more specialized (source-1).

Additionally, small family farms (defined as those with gross cash farm income of less than $350,000) accounted for 86% of all U.S. farms in 2023, but they only operated on 41% of U.S. agricultural land. In contrast, large-scale family farms (those with gross cash farm income of $1 million or more) represented about 4% of farms but accounted for nearly 48% of the value of production (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that "the number of small farms has decreased as large farms have increased" is supported by multiple sources. The data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows a clear trend of declining farm numbers overall, with a significant concentration of production value in larger farms. The decline in small farms is corroborated by reports indicating that many of the farms that ceased operations between 2017 and 2022 were small farms (source-6).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from reputable institutions, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. These sources provide statistical data and insights based on comprehensive surveys and agricultural censuses, which are essential for understanding trends in U.S. agriculture. However, it is important to note that while the data indicates a decrease in the number of small farms, it does not necessarily imply that small farms are no longer viable; many still operate but may rely heavily on off-farm income to sustain their households (source-3).

Conclusion

The evidence supports the claim that the number of small farms has decreased as large farms have increased. The data clearly indicates a decline in the total number of farms, particularly small farms, while larger farms have come to dominate agricultural production in terms of value. Therefore, the verdict is True.

Fact Check: The number of small farms has decreased as large farms have increased.