GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

U.S. Agriculture Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: U.S. Agriculture Statistics

  • In 2019, 22% of U.S. agricultural products were exported, equivalent to $136.7 billion.
  • The U.S. agriculture sector extends beyond the farm business to include a range of farm-related industries consuming around $368.5 billion.
  • There are 2.1 million farms in the United States as of 2019.
  • The average size of U.S. farms was 444 acres in 2019.
  • As of 2017, 30% of U.S. farms are operated by women.
  • In 2019, farm cash receipts totaled $374.4 billion.
  • The U.S is the largest producer and exporter of corn in the world.
  • In 2020, 92 million acres of corn was planted in the United States.
  • In 2017, one U.S. farm fed 166 people annually both in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Farming accounts for about 1% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
  • California is the top U.S. state in cash farm receipts.
  • There are approximately 21.6 million full- and part-time jobs related to agriculture in the U.S.
  • The market value of all agricultural products sold in 2017 was $389 billion.
  • About 96% of U.S. farms and ranches are family-owned.
  • The U.S. agriculture industry supports more than 40 million jobs.
  • The U.S. agricultural sector has almost doubled its productivity over the past several decades.
  • The U.S. agricultural industry invested nearly $20 billion in research and development in 2014.
  • The U.S. is a leading exporter of soybeans, wheat, and cotton.
  • The U.S farm sector holds $2.65 trillion in assets as of 2020.
  • Poultry is the largest U.S. agricultural export, followed by Soybeans and Corn in 2019.

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Welcome to our comprehensive analysis of U.S. Agriculture Statistics. Agriculture remains a vital part of the U.S. economy, and our in-depth blog post will provide an empirical exploration of latest statistics and trends. From crop yields to livestock populations, farm income, technological advancements, and the undeniable influence of weather patterns, we delve into the tales behind the numbers. We also pinpoint the role agriculture plays in the larger economic picture—including employment and trade. Embark on this insightful journey with us, and gain a better understanding of the pulse of America’s farming heartland.

The Latest U.S. Agriculture Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, 22% of U.S. agricultural products were exported, equivalent to $136.7 billion.

Highlighting the fact that in 2019, 22% of U.S. agricultural products were exported, amounting to a hefty $136.7 billion, underscores the global importance and reach of American farming. This statistic, a crucial point in any in-depth look into U.S. agriculture, illustrates not just the massive scale of production, but also the international demand for American goods. The ramifications extend to the country’s economy as a whole, conveying how the fruitfulness of American soils fuels both domestic industry and foreign trade channels, giving U.S. agriculture an indispensable role throughout international markets.

The U.S. agriculture sector extends beyond the farm business to include a range of farm-related industries consuming around $368.5 billion.

Embarking on the sweeping journey across the U.S. agriculture landscape, one cannot bypass the forceful current of economic waterway, that conveys a significant flow of about $368.5 billion consumed by various farm-related industries. This colossal figure serves as a robust indicator of the sector’s multifaceted dimension, reaching far beyond mere farming. By analyzing such a compelling statistic, we accentuate the intricate interconnectivity in the agricultural ecosystem, underlining the critical role diverse industries play in sustaining the farm business. As such, the presented data showcases the weighty influence farming has on the broader economic fabric, shaping the narrative of our blog post about U.S. Agriculture Statistics.

There are 2.1 million farms in the United States as of 2019.

As we unravel the intricate tapestry of U.S. Agriculture Statistics, the staggering count of 2.1 million farms across the United States in 2019 stands as a testament to the nation’s agricultural wealth and diversity. It offers a high-resolution snapshot of the vast agricultural landscape, from rustic family farms dotting the heartland to expansive industrialized farming complexes. This figure serves as a foundation for understanding how the US sustains its thriving agricultural industry, underpinning domestic food security, bolstering the economy through job creation and exports, and ultimately influencing the nation’s capacity to contribute to a global food supply.

The average size of U.S. farms was 444 acres in 2019.

Painting a vivid picture of the U.S. agriculture landscape, the statistic ‘The average size of U.S. farms being 444 acres in 2019’ emerges as a critical cornerstone. It offers an intriguing hint about the scale at which farming operations are conducted nationally. This quantification not only resonates with the extensiveness of agricultural practices but also underscores the potential yield, revenue, and food system dynamics. Additionally, it suggests possible challenges faced by the farming community including land management, usage of resources, and ecological impact. In essence, this statistic, nestled within the realm of U.S. Agriculture Statistics, underlines the enormity and complexity of the U.S. agricultural sector while providing a tangible measure to evaluate its performance and impact.

As of 2017, 30% of U.S. farms are operated by women.

Highlighting the fact that ‘As of 2017, 30% of U.S. farms are operated by women’, underscores a significant shift within U.S agriculture landscape. It symbolizes a break from the traditionally male-dominated sector, illustrating the increasing prominence and influence of women in agriculture. Within an industry known for its rigidity, this figure suggests a progressive change in the agricultural dynamics and farm management, therefore enriching the diversity and evolution of U.S. agriculture. This insight not only adds depth to the broader discussion of gender roles within the agricultural sector but also poses implications for policy, practice, and research, emphasizing the importance of gender considerations in agriculture-related decisions.

In 2019, farm cash receipts totaled $374.4 billion.

Unveiling the robustness of the U.S agricultural sector, the striking figure of $374.4 billion farm cash receipts in 2019 serves as a testament to its economic vitality. This figure not only encapsulates the earnings from crop sales, livestock, and government payments, but also underscores the sector’s significant contribution to the U.S economy. As part of the broader U.S. Agriculture Statistics, these receipts present a vivid image of the farming industry’s fiscal health, providing readers an insight into the sector’s financial operations and the multitude of factors catalyzing or encumbering its growth. Probing into such figures facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the industry trends, aids in formulating policies, and provides valuable inputs for stakeholders and investors.

The U.S is the largest producer and exporter of corn in the world.

Illuminating the United States’ dominion in the realm of corn production and exportation underlines its crucial role in bolstering global food security and international trade dynamics. In the canvas of U.S. Agriculture Statistics, this data point is the keystone, demonstrating the impressive scale and productivity of American farming operations while also indicating potential economic and geopolitical impacts. In essence, the U.S.’s title as the leading contender in corn production and export choreographs a ballet of supply and demand across the globe, profoundly shaping the narrative of international agricultural commerce.

In 2020, 92 million acres of corn was planted in the United States.

Underscoring the magnitude of corn’s role in the U.S. agriculture landscape, an impressive span of 92 million acres was dedicated to its cultivation in 2020 alone. This figure powerfully conveys the prodigious dominance and essential contribution of corn to the nation’s agricultural productivity. Not only does this provide insight into agricultural practices and resource allocation, but it also underscores the level of demand and dependence on this crop. Thus, this fact shapes our understanding of agricultural trends, the agricultural economy, and the nutritional landscape in the United States.

In 2017, one U.S. farm fed 166 people annually both in the U.S. and abroad.

Illuminating the capabilities of America’s agricultural landscape, the statistic that a single U.S. farm was able to nourish 166 people in 2017 speaks volumes about the opulence and reach of the sector. This portrayal of agricultural productivity not only solidifies the bedrock status of U.S farming in domestic food security, but it also underscores its importance in the global food supply chain, demonstrating the pivotal role American farmers play across borders. Highlighting this in a blog post about U.S. Agriculture Statistics evokes appreciation for the local farmers, emphasizes the global impact of U.S. agriculture, and sets a backdrop for deeper conversations about future prospects and challenges in the field.

Farming accounts for about 1% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

Diving deep into the heart of U.S. Agriculture Statistics isn’t simply a look into the ceaseless toil of American farmers; it’s also an exploration of economic significance. The revelation that farming constitutes about 1% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product serves as a robust testament to this industry’s vital role in the nation’s economy. Not merely a mirror to our historical agrarian roots, this figure clearly portrays the contemporary agricultural landscape’s enduring impact on the country’s fiscal health. As a seemingly humble percentage, it resonates with the symphony of national economic activity, echoing the importance and value of U.S. agriculture in our daily lives.

California is the top U.S. state in cash farm receipts.

Diving headfirst into the bustling agriculture scene of the United States, it’s impossible to overlook the golden state, California. Singularly ruling the roost in cash farm receipts, California paints a vibrant picture of its massive contribution to the country’s agribusiness sector. This remarkable feat not only points to the state’s sectoral dominance but also its pivotal role in the nation’s agro-economy. It’s an impressive testament to California’s agricultural prowess, underscoring its proficient use of resources, beneficial climate, and innovative farming practices. Indeed, it throws into sharp relief the data that helps comprehend deeper agricultural trends, balances, paradoxes and possibilities inherent in U.S agri-business environment.

There are approximately 21.6 million full- and part-time jobs related to agriculture in the U.S.

Reflecting on the expansive nature of the agriculture industry, an intriguing revelation is the significant employment capacity demonstrated by the sector. Approximately 21.6 million full- and part-time jobs in the U.S. are tethered to agriculture, punctuating its vital role in the nation’s economy. The stat not only underscores the industry’s role as a robust employment driver, but also provides a perspective on the wide spectrum of activities within agriculture — from farming to processing, distribution, and ancillary services — all coming together as a substantial economic force. Hence, this figure is an essential inclusion to paint a well-rounded picture of the U.S. agriculture industry for readers of the blog post.

The market value of all agricultural products sold in 2017 was $389 billion.

The astonishing figure of $389 billion as the total market value of agricultural products sold in 2017 serves to underline the undeniable economic powerhouse that is the U.S. agriculture industry. It not only signifies the enormous scale and integral role this sector plays in sustaining the national economy, but also emphasizes the enormous responsibilities shouldered by American farmers, from feeding the nation to contributing to its GDP. In the grand scheme of U.S. Agriculture Statistics, this figure tells a vibrant story of the agricultural sector’s financial health and its continuous pursuit for growth and innovation.

About 96% of U.S. farms and ranches are family-owned.

In the vibrantly diverse tapestry of U.S. agriculture, the pervasiveness of family-owned farms and ranches, accounting for about 96%, paints a compelling image of the sector’s bedrock. This towering figure attests to the endurance of generational wisdom and entrepreneurial spirit embedded in American agricultural traditions, highlighting that despite the advent of corporate agriculture, family operations remain integral. It underscores the continuity of deep-rooted values such as resilience, community, and stewardship, of the land, vital to understanding the nature and challenges of the U.S. agricultural landscape. This piece of data thus serves as a lighthouse, illuminating the human stories interwoven with economic perspectives in U.S. agriculture narratives.

The U.S. agriculture industry supports more than 40 million jobs.

Highlighting that the U.S. agriculture industry supports over 40 million jobs serves as a powerful testament to the sector’s pervasive and substantial impact on the American economy. Interpreting this figure against the backdrop of U.S. Agriculture Statistics uncovers the hidden narrative of the sector as an economic powerhouse, woven into the very fabric of the country, extending its influence beyond rural landscapes to cities, towns, and beyond. This statistic represents an avalanche of economic activity, employment, and regional development, embodying the sector’s fundamental significance as a driving force behind the nation’s economic stability and growth.

The U.S. agricultural sector has almost doubled its productivity over the past several decades.

The surge in productivity within the U.S. agricultural sector, nearly doubling over the past few decades, provides a captivating snapshot of the industry’s dynamic evolution. This transformative leap underscores not only advancements in farming technology and practices, but also the resilience and adaptability of American farmers. For an industry that plays a critical role in economic stability, food security, and sustainability, such a stark hike in productivity embodies efficiency made possible through relentless innovation. Therefore, this statistic can be seen as a testament to the industry’s progress that could help shape future discussions, strategies, and policies in agriculture.

The U.S. agricultural industry invested nearly $20 billion in research and development in 2014.

Highlighting the investment of nearly $20 billion in research and development in the U.S. agricultural industry in 2014 paints a vibrant picture of an industry committed to innovation, progress, and growth. It underlines the vital importance of this sector within the national economy, showcasing its strong capacity for advancement and its pivotal role in driving technological breakthroughs. Such a notable investment also underscores the core objective of ensuring food security and sustainability, making it a significant element in understanding the overall landscape of U.S. Agriculture Statistics.

The U.S. is a leading exporter of soybeans, wheat, and cotton.

Showcasing the U.S. as a lead exporter of soybeans, wheat, and cotton underscores the nation’s significant role in global agriculture. It frames the U.S. not merely as a domestic provider but also as an international powerhouse, nourishing the world’s population and fueling its industries. This key datum is a testament to the efficiency, scalability and technological sophistication of American farming – aspects that are inextricably woven into the fabric of our economic and geopolitical clout. Additionally, it hints at potential areas of agricultural policy discussion, economic opportunity, and ecological consideration. This statistic, therefore, provides an impressive window into the landscape of U.S. agricultural might and influence.

The U.S farm sector holds $2.65 trillion in assets as of 2020.

Highlighting the massive $2.65 trillion in assets held by the U.S. farm sector as of 2020 provides a clear snapshot of the substantial economic value and importance of American agriculture. It not only underscores the sector’s resilience and success but also points towards its pivotal role in shaping the country’s financial stability and growth. This information serves to contextualize the vast scale of U.S. agriculture, emphasizing its contribution to the nation’s wealth and its essential position within the larger U.S. economy. Furthermore, for readers, grasping this wealth magnitude can truly illuminate the extent to which this sector is interwoven into the financial fabric of the United States.

Poultry is the largest U.S. agricultural export, followed by Soybeans and Corn in 2019.

Delving into the heart of U.S. Agriculture, the statistic declaring Poultry as the top agricultural export, trailed by Soybeans and Corn in 2019, delivers meaningful insights. This pivotal piece of data portrays not only the economic strength of these sectors but also signifies their valuable contribution to the global food chain. It further amplifies the role of agriculture in sustaining U.S. trade balance, emphasizing on the sector’s significance in the country’s international trade dynamics. A concrete understanding of these export leaders can provide a robust base for discussions on agricultural policies, international negotiations, and market strategies, making it a powerful tool for any discourse on U.S. Agriculture Statistics.

Conclusion

U.S. Agriculture Statistics play a critical role in providing an in-depth understanding of the sector’s performance, trends, and its contribution to America’s economy. These statistics reveal the industry’s resilience, efficiency, and its capacity to meet both domestic and international food demand. Continuous study and interpretation of these numbers is essential for policymakers, farmers, investors, and researchers in making strategic decisions and planning for the sector’s future growth. Indeed, a sound grasp of these trends and numbers demonstrates the significant impact of agriculture on everyday American life, reinforcing its status as the backbone of the nation’s economy.

References

0. – https://www.www.fb.org

1. – https://www.www.ers.usda.gov

2. – https://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu

3. – https://www.www.nass.usda.gov

4. – https://www.www.fas.usda.gov

FAQs

What percentage of U.S. land is used for agricultural purposes?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 40% of the total land in the United States is used for agriculture, comprising mainly of pastureland and cropland.

Which state in the U.S. has the highest land area dedicated to agriculture?

Texas has the highest agricultural land area in the United States, utilizing 77.8 million acres for farming and livestock raising.

What are the top agricultural commodities produced in the U.S.?

The top agricultural commodities in the U.S. are cattle, corn, soybeans, dairy products, and chicken, according to the USDA.

How much of the U.S. labor force is involved in agriculture?

As per the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1.3% of the U.S. labor force- that's around 2.6 million people- are employed in agriculture and related industries.

What is the average age of a principal farmer in the U.S?

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the average age of the principal farmer in the U.S. is 57.5 years, indicating a gradually aging farming population.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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