July 4, 2024 – A big part of our Independence Day celebration involves holiday food with friends and family. In the U.S. we enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable and among the world’s safest—thanks to the efficiency and productivity of our nation’s farmers.
Here are a few Farming Facts[i] to chew on:
- Of the 1.9 million farms in the U.S. today, 95% are operated by families—individuals, family partnerships, or family corporations. Family farms and ranches account for 90% of the U.S. total agricultural production.
- The average age of a U.S. farmer is 47, and 30% of all U.S. farmers have been in business for less than 10 years.
- In 1920, 30 percent (32 million) of the U.S. population lived and worked on farms. Today, farm and ranch families make up less than 2% of the U.S. population (approx. 1.7 million).
- Farmers continue to find ways to increase their crop production and efficiency. U.S. corn yield (tons per acre) has increased more than 360% since 1950. One acre of land can grow a variety of crops including 50,000 pounds of strawberries or 2,784 pounds (46.4) bushels) of wheat. One day’s production for a high-producing diary cow yields 4.8 pounds of butter, 8.7 gallons of ice cream, or 10.5 pounds of cheese.
- Farmers and ranchers receive 15 cents (on average) out of every retail dollar spent on food. The rest of that dollar goes for wages, materials for production, processing, marketing, transportation, and distribution.
- Cattle and calves, corn, and soybeans are the top three U.S. farm products. Farming accounts for about 1% of the U.S. gross domestic product.
- About 20% of U.S. farm products are exported each year. Americans throw away about 25% of the food they purchase for at-home consumption. About 40% of all food grown and produced in the U.S. is never eaten.
So, as we wave our flags today in celebration of the anniversary of our nation’s independence, let’s expand our traditional colors of red symbolizing hardiness and valor, white symbolizing purity and innocence, and blue representing vigilance, perseverance, and justice to include GREEN—remembering the U.S. farmers who grow the food and livestock that keep U.S. nourished and strong.
[i] Fast Facts About Agriculture & Food. Sources include the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and the USDA Census of Agriculture. Visit AgFoundation.org for additional information and resources.