For generations, the family farm has been central to the American story. However, farmers are currently facing sharply higher costs and significant debt, alongside broader economic pressures. Judy Woodruff reports from Western Kansas on the challenges of maintaining family farms and the future of this tradition. This report is part of her series, Crossroads: America at 250.
Cole Carpenter's farm in Kansas is experiencing a difficult season, with no corn harvest due to a severe drought this summer. Farming has historically been a way of life in America, with nine in ten Americans engaged in agriculture at the nation's founding. Today, that number has decreased to fewer than 2 percent.
Sarah Mock, author of "Farm (and Other F Words): The Rise and Fall of the Small Family Farm," reflects on Thomas Jefferson's vision of America as an agricultural powerhouse. Mock highlights the historical significance of farming and the community ties it fosters.
Cole Carpenter's family has been farming for generations, with their land dating back to the late 1800s. Despite expanding their operation to 10,000 acres and diversifying into cattle and crop spraying, the Carpenters face slim profit margins. Two years ago, they sold 800 acres to reduce debt, a decision that was difficult but necessary.
The trend of larger operations acquiring smaller farms has been evident, with the number of farms in the U.S. declining by 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, while the average farm size increased by 5 percent. Currently, just 4 percent of the largest family farms account for over half of all agricultural sales. Carpenter emphasizes that the challenge is not just about producing more, but also managing the costs associated with modern farming.
Farmers are also subject to uncontrollable factors such as weather, commodity prices, and political decisions. Carpenter notes that farmers often find themselves in a difficult position, trying to survive amid these challenges.
Historically, the American farming landscape has changed significantly, particularly after events like the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, which forced many farmers off their land. The federal government intervened, leading to a more mechanized agricultural industry.
Mock's research for her book aims to uncover how conventional agriculture can support first-generation farmers. Tim Peterson, a 71-year-old farmer from Kansas, shares his experience with the financial complexities of modern farming, noting that selling family land to pay off debt is a painful consideration.
Peterson's daughter, Lydia, views the family land as part of their legacy, and she attempted to buy back a piece of it at auction, only to find the price had significantly increased. The volatility of farming economics, with fluctuating profits and rising debt, is a growing concern.
Nationwide, farm debt has surged, increasing by an estimated 70 percent over the past decade. Mock expresses concern over the consolidation of the farming industry, which threatens diversity and local decision-making.
Despite these challenges, the next generation remains committed to farming. Cole Carpenter's sons, Huck and Chase, aspire to continue the family legacy, but they recognize the difficulties posed by larger corporations in the industry.
Carpenter emphasizes the importance of allowing his sons to choose their own paths, whether that involves returning to the family farm or pursuing other interests. Mock concludes that the connection to the land is vital, fostering a sense of ownership and patriotism that goes beyond mere property rights.
This report was produced by Judy Woodruff, Frank Carlson, Lorna Baldwin, and Sarah Clune Hartman for PBS NewsHour.