American farms are the backbone of the U.S. food system. They support family heritage, rural economies, and sustainable agricultural practices.
This article highlights key insights into U.S. agriculture using data from the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture. The census is the most recent and comprehensive snapshot of American farming. It was released on February 13, 2024.
Conducted every five years, the census analyzes more than 6 million data points. These include farms, ranches, producers, land use, demographics, and agricultural production. The data is available down to the county level..
Family-Operated Farms
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the United States is home to approximately 1.9 million farms and ranches, and about 95% of them are family-owned and operated.
These farms include individual owners, family partnerships, and family-owned corporations.
Together, they form the foundation of American agriculture.
Despite shifting economies and technological change, family farms remain central to food production, land stewardship, and rural community stability across the country.
Economic Share and Value
Farmers and ranchers play a vital role in the food economy, yet they receive only about 15 cents of every dollar spent on food, including both grocery purchases and dining out—reflecting the complexity of processing, distribution, and retail systems.
At the same time, family farms and ranches account for roughly 90% of total U.S. agricultural production value, underscoring their outsized contribution to the national food supply and the broader agricultural economy.
Demographics and Diversity
The 2022 Census highlights a farming population that is both experienced and increasingly diverse:
- About 30% of farmers are beginners, with less than ten years of experience.
- The average age of U.S. farmers is 57.
- Veterans represent 9% of the farming community.
- Women account for 36% of farm operators.
- 58% of farms have at least one female decision-maker.
Production Efficiency
American agriculture continues to achieve remarkable gains in productivity and efficiency:
- A single acre of farmland can produce up to 50,000 pounds of strawberries or approximately 2,784 pounds of wheat, depending on crop and region.
- The average U.S. farm supports food production for about 166 people each year, both domestically and internationally.
- Technological and management advances in dairy farming have reduced feed requirements by over 40% compared to four decades ago to produce the same amount of milk.
These gains reflect the adoption of precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, and improved genetics and farm practices.
Economic and Environmental Impact
While agriculture represents about 1% of U.S. GDP, its environmental footprint and innovation potential are significant. The 2022 Census reveals strong momentum toward sustainability:
- Renewable energy adoption on farms increased by 167% over the past decade, with 153,101 farms reporting the use of solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable systems in 2022.
- Improved land management practices have helped reduce soil erosion by approximately 34% since 1982, demonstrating agriculture’s expanding role in environmental conservation.
Together, these trends show that farmers are not only food producers, but also long-term stewards of land and natural resources.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these advances, challenges remain:
- An estimated 25% of food purchased for home consumption is wasted, contributing to roughly 40% of total U.S. food going uneaten.
- Global food demand is projected to increase by 70% by 2050, placing growing pressure on agricultural systems to expand production while minimizing environmental impact.
These realities create both urgency and opportunity for U.S. agriculture to lead through innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Celebrating and Supporting U.S. Agriculture
The data paints a picture of an industry deeply rooted in tradition while continuously adapting to new economic, environmental, and technological realities. As global food needs grow, American farmers and ranchers remain essential not only to feeding a rising population, but also to building resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.
Supporting U.S. agriculture—whether through informed food choices, policy awareness, or community engagement—helps ensure that this vital sector continues to thrive for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Agriculture
How many farms are in the United States?
There are approximately 1.9 million farms and ranches in the United States, according to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Are most American farms family-owned?
Yes. About 95% of U.S. farms are family-owned and operated. These include individual owners, partnerships, and family corporations.
What is the average size of a U.S. farm?
The average farm size in the United States is 463 acres, based on 2022 Census data.
How many people does one U.S. farm feed?
On average, one U.S. farm produces enough food to feed 166 people each year, both domestically and globally.
Is American agriculture becoming more sustainable?
Yes. Renewable energy use increased by 167%, and soil erosion has declined by 34% since 1982, according to USDA research.
Information on this page may be shared via social media, etc. Sources include the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and the USDA Census of Agriculture. Visit AgFoundation.org for additional information and resources.
