by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
An economic analysis of agricultural credit usage and census data conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture found that the number of farms and ranches across the U.S. dropped by 3% during the last decade and the demographics of primary operators is evolving.
More minorities and women became primary operators of farms and ranches in the past decade, while the number of white male-operated farms decreased by nearly 15% between 2012 and 2017, and proportionately fewer non-Hispanic white males are starting farms and ranches.
White male-operated farms remained the largest demographic segment of established and beginning farmers, and largest user of agricultural credit.
