Farm Facts

The American Farm Bureau Federation encourages consumers to learn more about the business of farming. They remind us that our farmers provide food security for our nation and much of the rest of the world. Plus in addition to food U.S. agricultural producers provide us with fiber, fuel and materials for shelter.

Their 2007 Farm Facts pocket guide provides the following statistics:

• U.S. consumers spend less of their disposable income on food each year compared to others around the world.
• American farmers are the most productive globally. On average each U.S. farmer produces food and fiber for 143 people. The number has been rising for decades. In 1940 each farmer produced enough for 19 people.
• U.S. agricultural producers participate in conservation programs designed to prevent soil erosion, preserve and restore wetlands, clean the air and water, and enhance wildlife habitat. In just five years (1997-2003) Farmers and ranchers produced a net increase of 263,000 acres of wetlands.

To learn more about farming in the U.S, visit the American Farm Bureau Federation website. The Farm Facts pocket guide and other educational resources can be found on this page of their site.

U.S. farmers provide us with food, fiber, fuel, and materials for shelter.