Small Farms in Crisis: USDA's Bold Plan to Save America's Food Supply

Ladies and Gentlemen, BUYERS BEWARE! The American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall just dropped a bombshell. The USDA has announced a groundbreaking policy focused on the success of America’s small farms and ranches. This is a game-changer, folks! Almost 90% of farms in America are classified as small farms, and nearly all of them are family-owned. These are the backbone of our food supply chain, and they are in trouble.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows 141,000 farms went out of business in a five-year period, and we’ve lost even more since the report was released. Our nation’s food security depends on farms of all sizes, but the reality is, it is getting more difficult for smaller farms to survive these tough economic times. We need to act now, folks! The USDA’s plan is a lifeline for these hardworking families.

The Farm Bureau has submitted a letter to USDA outlining policy recommendations that support small producers. Here’s what they’re calling for:

- Improvements to USDA farm programs like Title I safety net programs and ad hoc disaster programs.

- More and enhanced options for risk management.

- Reforming regulations that create complex and expensive compliance burdens.

- Creating a workforce solution that gives all farmers access to labor.

These recommendations are a no-brainer! They address the core issues that are driving small farms out of business. The USDA’s plan includes streamlining application processes, improving reliable access to credit, farmland, and markets, and providing appropriate business planning tools. This is a comprehensive toolkit designed to ensure the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family farms for generations to come.



But why should you care? Because this is about more than just farms; it’s about our food security, our rural communities, and our economy. The decline in small family farms can lead to job losses, a decrease in local economic activity, and the erosion of rural communities. We need to support these farmers, folks! They are the lifeblood of our nation.

The USDA’s plan is a bold move, and it’s exactly what we need. It’s time to put Farmers First and ensure that these hardworking families can thrive. So, let’s get behind this plan and make sure that America’s small farms are here to stay. This is a call to action, folks! Let’s support our farmers and secure our food supply for generations to come. BOO-YAH!