A study from the USDA found consolidation over three decades has led to larger farms owned by fewer people. But at the same time, researchers also concluded the number of very small farms increased by about 20%.
Posted below is a two-page summary, followed by the full report. Researcher and co-author, James MacDonald, and two other researchers also conclude the family farm continues to dominate US agriculture.
In addition, more producers have been specializing in two or just one field crop type of livestock with the exception of beef cattle. Cantaloupes and lemons are the only two of 55 crops in which increases in consolidation did not occur over the last 30 years.
Farm Consolidation Study Summary Eib189_summary by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd
Three Decades of Consolidation in US Agriculture Eib-189 by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd