The 2007 Agriculture Census is out and contains surprising numbers. Regardless what economical problems the country seems to have, agriculture profits were high and the number of farms is increasing on a national level.
According to the census, the number of farms grew by 76,000. It may be a large number, but the farms are generally “small farms†that are more diversified and have lower sales. In Minnesota farms have increased by 2,200 in the small and micro category. 100 mega farms were also added in Minnesota.
“Agriculture is still a big part of this state’s economy,†Gene Hugoson, the Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner said.
The state of Utah is slowly losing farmland, but the number of small farms and ranches are increasing. The large livestock industry keeps the remaining farms strong. 42 percent of the farms in Utah are labeled as hobby or small farms.
Many feel the interest in small farms is pushed by the interest in organic farming.
Delaware is another state with less farmland than in 2002. The state, dominated by poultry, vegetable, grain and melon crops, is losing 6,000 acres of land a year.
In 2007 Delaware, despite losses, produced over $1 billion in crops, making $210 million in profits. “It tells us Delaware is still a very strong, viable and successful agriculture state,†Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture said.
The state is making an effort to preserve more land, including the already preserved 90,000 acres. “The best way to preserve farm land is to see the farmers are making a profit,†Mark McGrath of the State Department of Agriculture said.
Aside from seeing the number of farms increasing, Ohio found that more women have gained interest in farming. 19 percent more women declare themselves farmers in 2007 than in 2002. Overall the average age of farmers ranges from 55-58.
Despite what anyone thinks now is the time to make farm and ranch dreams a reality. Farm loans are available across the country. Profits are still there and as Mark McGrath said people need to preserve the land by farming. Contact Farm Plus Financial by calling 866-929-5585 or visiting their Web site for more information on farm credit and farm loans.
Tags: agriculture census, small farms