Farming is a way of life, a safe environment to raise children and to live a productive life that co...

1. American Family Farmers Feed 155 People Each- 2%
Americans Farm
Farming is a way of life, a safe environment to raise children and to live a productive life that
contributes to society. Farmers, ranchers, and family forest landowners produce more than food and
fiber--they also produce clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat. Agricultural land provides
habitat for 75 percent of our wildlife.
According to recent statistics provided by the American Farm Bureau, 98% of American farms are
family farms - only 2% are owned by non-family corporations. American farms provide much more
than food for 155 people and a modest living for a family.
America's farmers produce food and fiber for 155 people in the United States and abroad. In 1940,
one of more than 6 million farmers fed only 19 people.
How Many Farmers are There?

2. 200 years ago, 90% of the population farmed; today, it is less than 2%. Most of the country depends
on those 2% for food, fiber and paper products. Of course, that lets the rest of the population engage
in other professions that keep this country functioning, such as education, technology, science and
much more. Farmers and agri-business use these skills to advance the agriculture industry to the
levels of today.
There are just over 2 million farms in the United States today. The number of acres devoted to
farming has decreased 110 thousand acres from 2008, to just over 900 million acres. Yet, farmers
continue to increase food production to help feed the world as population continues to increase.
Over 24 million people or 17% of the US work force are employed in agriculture industries, getting
food from the farm to the table.
Agriculture is America's number one export, generating more than $100 billion annually while
providing jobs for nearly 1 million workers. About 24% of agriculture products produced are
exported.
How Much of the US Food Dollar Spent Goes to the Farmer?
Farmers and Ranchers receive only 19 cents out of every dollar spent on food that is eaten at home
and away from home. In 1952, they received 47 cents of every dollar spent.
Take a look at a breakfast. The $2.99 loaf of bread netted the farmer 57 cents; $3.99 for bacon
equals 76 cents, dozen eggs for $1.99 is 38 cents, gallon of milk at $3.29 gives the farmer 63 cents.
$12.26 was spent in the grocery store; the farmer netted $2.34. By buying directly from farmers at
markets, road stands and through community supported agriculture (CSA) shares, the profit margin
to farmers is increased, and the transportation and processing costs are decreased.
What Drives Food Costs?
The remainder of the food dollar is for costs off the farm, including the costs of food processing and
packaging, marketing, transportation and distribution in stores and restaurants.
According to the North Dakota Farmers Union, the four factors driving food costs are:
High energy costsInflationAmericans expect low cost, high quality foodCommodity prices are driven
by the economy.Americans spend about 10% of their disposable income on food. Compare that to
18% in France, 26% in Japan and 51% in India. Stated another way, the average American works 40
days per year to pay for a year's worth of food for the family, and works 100 days to pay federal,

3. state and local taxes.What do Family Farmers Raise?Crop farmers grow grains, fiber, fruits, nuts
and vegetables.Grains most abundant in the US are corn, soybeans, hay (a variety of grasses and
legumes), wheat. Today, an increasing percentage of grains, especially corn and soybeans are used
for ethanol, bio-diesel and other fuels. These alternatives are helping this country find energy self-
sufficiency while using renewable energy sources.Fiber products make fabric, rope and paper
products. These include primarily trees, cotton, flax (linen) and jute. Numerous minor fibers are
produced. Private citizens own 52% of our nation's forests; federal, state local governments own
37% (parks, national/state forests, protected areas) and the forest product industry owns 11%.Fruits
and vegetables are grown in every state. Home gardening is regaining popularity; many are
producing some of their food. Farmer's Markets are common, selling locally raised foods directly to
consumers. These allow people to purchase very fresh foods with a lower carbon footprint than foods
transported around the country.Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers raise livestock for food and
fiber. Besides meat, sheep, llamas, alpacas, rabbits and others are raised for wool and other fibers.
Dairy cattle are raised for milk and dairy products. Many by-products of livestock are found in daily
aspects of American's lives.Horticulture farmers grow flowers, shrubs, and sod.Aquaculture farmers
raise fish and shellfish in controlled environments in ponds, lakes, rivers and the oceans.Family
Farmers Feeding America and the World
American farm families care. They care about providing food for people. They care about the land,
their livestock and their way of life.
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