The number of farms and farm acres in the United States has significantly decreased, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. There were 141,733 fewer farms in 2022 than there were in 2017, and there were 880,100,848 fewer farm acres—more than 20 million fewer acres than there were five years prior.
Due to workforce shortages, growing supplier costs, increased restrictions, and weather-related calamities, many farmers are finding it challenging to maintain their level of profitability. Family farms support the country’s economy and let its citizens follow their aspirations without having to worry about food shortages. To foster an environment that draws in new farmers and empowers families to pass on their farms to the following generation, Congress needs to enact a new farm bill that tackles these issues. With 1.3 million farmers currently at or above retirement age and 300,000 under 35, the number of farmers over 65 is surpassing that of younger farmers.
The full Census of Agriculture can be found here.
