The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them down to the county level. The information collected directly from producers shows a continued decline in the total number of U.S. farms. However, the data also show a rise in the number of new and beginning (operating 10 or fewer years on any farm) as well as young (under the age of 35) producers. The full Census of Agriculture report as well as publication dates for additional ag census data products can be found at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. Ag census data can also be found in NASS’s searchable online database, Quick Stats.

“We are pleased to provide updated Census of Agriculture data to all those who serve U.S. agriculture, especially the producers who gave their time to complete the questionnaire. Census of Agriculture data tell a story. This comprehensive snapshot every five years helps data users to see trends and shifts in the industry over time and helps producers do business,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “Overall, though there are always changes across U.S. agriculture, the data remain largely consistent with the previous ag census. Data users will also notice some new data on the topics of hemp, precision agriculture, and internet access.”

Ag census data provide valuable insights into demographics, economics, land use and activities on U.S. farms and ranches such as:

• There were 1.9 million farms and ranches (down 7% from 2017) with an average size of 463 acres (up 5%) on 880 million acres of farmland (down 2%). That is 39% of all U.S. land.
• Family-owned and operated farms accounted for 95% of all U.S. farms and operated 84% of land in farms.
• U.S. farms and ranches produced $543 billion in agricultural products, up from $389 billion in 2017. With farm production expenses of $424 billion, U.S. farms had net cash income of $152 billion. Average farm income rose to $79,790. A total of 43% of farms had positive net cash farm income in 2022.
• Farms with internet access continued to rise from 75% in 2017 to 79% in 2022.
• A total of 153,101 farms and ranches used renewable energy producing systems compared to 133,176 farms in 2017, a 15% increase. The majority of farms (76%) with renewable energy systems reported using solar panels.
• In 2022, 116,617 farms sold directly to consumers, with sales of $3.3 billion. Value of sales increased 16% from 2017.
• The 105,384 farms with sales of $1 million or more were 6% of U.S. farms and 31% of farmland; they sold more than three-fourths of all agricultural products. The 1.4 million farms with sales of $50,000 or less accounted for 74% of farms, 25% of farmland, and 2% of sales.
• Nearly three-fourths of farmland was used by farms specializing in two commodity categories: oilseed and grain production (32%) and beef cattle production (40%).
• The average age of all producers was 58.1, up 0.6 years from 2017. This is a smaller increase than average age increases between prior censuses.
• There were just over 1 million farmers with 10 or fewer years of experience, an increase in the number of beginning farmers from 2017 of 11%. Beginning farmers are younger than all farmers, with an average age of 47.1.
• The number of producers under age 35 was 296,480, comprising 9% of all producers. The 221,233 farms with young producers making decisions tend to be larger than average in both acres and sales.
• In 2022, 1.2 million female producers accounted for 36% of all producers. Fifty-eight percent of all farms had at least one female decision maker.

The response rate for the 2022 Census of Agriculture was 61%; more than 40% of responses were submitted online. To address questions about the 2022 Census of Agriculture data, NASS will host a live X Stat Chat @usda_nass for the public on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. EST. Ag census data highlight publications are available at nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights.

First conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census and conducted since 1997 by USDA NASS – the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture – the Census of Agriculture remains the most comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation.

***

Spring Beekeeping Starts With Beginners Class

Warmer weather and more daylight mean spring is fast approaching, and beekeepers are watching for early blooms that will make this year’s honey crop.  They’re also checking their equipment and supplies.  Beginners might be a bit overwhelmed.  That’s where Brownwood beekeeper Daniel Graham can help.

“My class is for folks who are just getting started, or maybe just thinking about getting started,” says Graham, who keeps bees near Willis Creek.  “It’s also a good introduction for a general audience who’s curious about what goes on in those bee boxes they see around.”

 Beekeeping Fundamentals for Beginners is scheduled for Sat Feb. 24, at 1 pm.   

Topics include an equipment checklist, a survey of the structure and function of the Langstroth (standard American) hive, and overviews of bee behavior, basic safety, and Colony Collapse Disorder.

“Honeybees and beekeeping look pretty trendy right now, and I’ve never seen so much merchandise and marketing that incorporate bees, hive products, and bee culture,” Graham observes.  “If you want to take the next step from a consumer to a producer, or from observer to participant, then you’ll probably enjoy the class.”

The class will be outdoors, at Bettie Coggin Taber Park, located at Vincent St. and Ave. I in Brownwood, (one block from the Brownwood Dairy Queen on Austin Ave).  Bring your own lawn chair, and dress for the weather.  A handout will be provided, but bring your pen and notebook if you like.

Pre-registration is required.  To pre-register, call 325-641-9029 (land line—no text messages) or email [email protected].  The class fee is $25 per person, cash or check only, and children 12 or under may attend for free.  Pay at the class.   The class runs about 1 ½ hours.