Ag Census shows declining farms, rising ages

Ag Census shows declining farms, rising ages
Hunter
4/12/19

The National Agricultural Statistical Service issued the results of the 2017 Census of Ag, a report that features a wide range of data about farms and ranches in Iowa and who operates them.

The census, taken every five years, shows a slight decline in farm numbers and land in farms, and the average age of farmers continuing to rise, now 57.4 years.

The demographics of Iowa farmers includes some interesting information, including the number of what they categorize as “new producers,” those who have less than 10 years of experience. Just over one in five farmers are in that category, and their average age is 43.7. Women continue to make strides in the field, now comprising 34 percent of all Iowa producers, with the majority of them involved in financial management and record keeping. Their numbers increased 53 percent over the last five years.

Production figures tell a story as well.

The value of agricultural products sold by Iowa farmers is down six percent from five years ago, but still an impressive figure at 29 billion dollars. Crop sales have dropped 20 percent from five years ago, but livestock sales are up 12 percent. The state is ranked 2nd nationally for total value of ag and livestock sales.

More farmers have access to technology, with 80 percent of them now with internet access. That’s up from 74 percent five years ago.

The full report can be accessed at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.