Despite frequent mentions of “big ag,” American agriculture remains rooted in families. According to USDA data, 95% of farms in the U.S. are family-owned.
Many have operated for generations, while others are just starting out.
Though some farms adopt different business structures like C-corporations for planning purposes, the core remains family-driven.
Less than 0.1% of farms are run by outside corporations. Half of agricultural land is both owned and rented, and many non-farming landlords are former farmers themselves.
Keeping farms alive is growing harder. Only 23% of farms earn enough through farming alone, with most families depending on off-farm income. In 2023, the U.S. lost 15,000 farms due to rising costs, labour shortages, and outdated tools.