But some believe mechanization has run its course in expanding production given today's farm structure. Farm advocates have used ballooning farm size as evidence of food consolidation. They point out that just 4 percent of farms and ranches produce 50 percent of all agricultural output. But U.S food and fiber has never been evenly produced by all farmers, and has always been in the hands of a minority number of farmers. As early as 1900, just 17 percent of farmers produced half of the nation's food basket, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Many people erroneously think the family farm ceases to exist as farms get bigger.
He pays himself a salary, and pays rent on the land he already owns. I am not sure if I would do it over again if the clock could be turned back. Still a lot of family farms Without doubt, the nature and operation of the family farm today has changed, as it has for most of this century. But in fact, family-controlled farms still make up 99 percent of all farms. The remaining farms are mostly either partnerships or corporate farms, which despite being vilified by many, are predominantly operated and controlled by families.