Crop Production

The 964,770 crop farms in the US produce more than 382 million acres of commercial-scale grains, sugar, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamental crops. The establishments that produce these are generally considered farms but, depending on the commodity produced, may be more specifically known as orchards, groves, greenhouses, and nurseries. About 25% of crops are grown as seed or as input for other crops or livestock.

Aging Farmer Population

The average age of a US farmer in 2022 was 58.

Contract Farming Declining

The process by which a buyer, typically a food processor or supermarket chain, establishes an agreement with a farm to produce a certain quantity and quality of a given crop in exchange for an agreed-upon price and a given delivery date, known as contract farming, is on the decline in the United States.

Aug 23, 2026 - USDA Lowers Wheat Forecast

• In July, the USDA again lowered its 2026 US wheat production forecast to 1.536 billion bushels, down 7 million bushels from June and on track to be the smallest harvest since 1970, The Wall Street Journal reports. While tighter production could support wheat prices, the USDA also projects relatively large ending stocks of 722 million bushels, limiting the potential for a sustained price rally. Market attention is increasingly shifting to weather and the risk of disruptions to Russian wheat exports stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war, which could improve export opportunities for US growers if global supplies tighten. For US wheat farmers, smaller domestic production may provide some price support, but profitability will continue to depend on weather, export demand, and global competition rather than supply reductions alone.
• US crop producers face sharply different production prospects in 2026, according to USDA's August Crop Production report. Corn production for grain is forecast at 16 billion bushels, down 6% from 2025, as lower yields and harvested acreage reduce output. Still, if realized, it would represent the second highest production on record. In contrast, soybean production is expected to rise 6% to 4.52 billion bushels as expanded acreage more than offsets a slight yield decline. Wheat growers face a much steeper contraction: total wheat production is forecast at 1.53 billion bushels, down 23% from 2025, with winter wheat down 29%. Rice production is projected to fall 23%, while peanut production is down about 25%. Overall, tighter corn, wheat, rice and peanut supplies could support crop prices, while increased soybean supplies may pressure producer prices and margins.
• Rising fuel and fertilizer costs tied to the Middle East conflict are stressing US farmers financially and increasing demand for agricultural loans, The Wall Street Journal reports. According to a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago survey, farm loan repayment rates declined for the tenth consecutive quarter while loan demand continued to grow. Higher input costs are prompting some producers to reduce fertilizer use, switch crops, delay equipment purchases, and postpone land acquisitions. Lenders report more borrowers falling behind on payments and are increasing reserves for potential loan losses. The challenges come on top of weak commodity prices, export disruptions from tariffs, and regional drought conditions that have already strained farm finances. While government support programs and loan guarantees provide some protection, many farmers have depleted working capital reserves and remain vulnerable to further cost increases. Farmers' financial stress is likely to persist if input costs remain high.
• Weak commodity prices and ongoing drought conditions are prompting some enterprising crop producers to diversify income through social media and online content creation, The Wall Street Journal reports. For several of the farmers profiled by WSJ earnings from YouTube, sponsorships, and branded merchandise now exceed profits from crop production. For example, Montana grain producers at Welker Farms generate six-figure annual income from their online presence, helping offset low crop returns. The trend reflects broader financial pressures facing agriculture, as lenders expect fewer than half of producers to be profitable this year and most farm households rely on off-farm income. While social media success is not practical for most producers, the article underscores the importance of income diversification during challenging market conditions. Additional revenue streams can help crop producers manage volatility, support family operations, and reduce dependence on crop prices and weather-related risks.

Industry size & Structure

The average crop farm has two employees and generates about $291,000 in annual revenue.

• The US Census Bureau defines a farm as an operation that produces or should have reasonably produced over $1,000 in revenue during a given year, including government payments. Under this definition, there are about 964,770 crop farms in the US.
• Crop farms produce about $280 billion in value annually, with corn and soybeans accounting for more than half of US crop cash receipts.
• Over 2.5 million are employed in the crop sector and over 45% of employees are family members.
• Family-owned and operated farms account for 97% of all US farms and 91% of acres operated, per the USDA.
• Small family farms (less than $250,000 in annual sales) make up 86% of US farms, operate 40% of US agricultural land, and account for 17% of total production value.
• Large family farms (more than $1 million in annual sales) make up 5% of US farms, operate 33% of agricultural land, and account for 50% of the production value.
• Over 17,000 crop farms are certified as organic, for a total of 4.9 million certified organic acres. These farmers sell about $6.1 billion in organic crops annually. Marketing of organic products is primarily to food wholesalers (60%) and consumers (30%); the remainder is to food retailers.
• 35% of US farms fully own their land; 31% is rented to farmers who also own their land, and 9% is rented to tenant farmers who do not own land.
• Most US farms operated with a low operating profit margin (high financial vulnerability) in 2025.
• 85% of farms in the US have internet access.