There are fewer farms in the United States today than at any other time in the past 150 years. Even in the past decade, we’ve experienced a notable decrease. According to the USDA, there were 1.89 million farms in the US in 2023 compared to more than 2 million farms in 2017. It’s easy to see that US farms are on the decline, making the farms that do exist even more important for our local communities and the agriculture industry, especially multi-generation farms.
Multi-generation farms continue to play a critical role in the agricultural supply chain. Farming families not only feed their communities, but they also pass on valuable knowledge and farming traditions that sustain the agricultural industry.
Just as farmers educate their kids on how to till the land, here’s some insight on why and how multi-generation farms are woven into the fabric of America and are vital for our future success.
Family Tradition
There’s something to be said for family tradition. It helps us feel connected to those who came before us. But when it comes to generational farming, family tradition is more than the tie that binds us. It’s the knowledge we need to truly thrive.
Farming can be a challenging endeavor, often involving much trial and error. Seasonal conditions vary from year to year, as does a crop’s yield. Land can vary from acre to acre, too. Due to these ever-changing variables, the decades of experience passed down from one generation to the next is instrumental in the production of a consistent, high-quality crop.
Smaller growers often take great pride in producing high-quality crops, thanks to generations of refined farming techniques passed down over time. These family-run farms offer a superior-quality product made with a very special ingredient—heart.
Generational farmers use the knowledge of those who came before them, while also implementing their own fresh ideas and innovations. This fusion of the old with the new enables multi-generation farms to maintain the highest quality standards, an impact that extends far beyond what’s grown at home.
Honoring farming traditions that have stood the test of time, while incorporating new, modern techniques, helps foster long-term agricultural resilience—the ability to adapt to variable conditions and thrive in less than ideal circumstances.
Sustainable Practices
Generational farmers not only produce a quality product but are often good environmental stewards as well. After all, they have a vested interest in protecting their family’s land and safeguarding it for future generations. To do so, they often adopt responsible and sustainable practices that preserve the environment and produce a healthier crop.
Many generational farmers focus on environmentally friendly practices, such as rotating crops to maintain soil quality and naturally control pest populations. Crop rotation is a practice where the types of crops grown in a field are alternated from year to year. This change helps naturally maintain and replenish the soil’s nutrients, avoiding the natural depletion that occurs when the same crop grows in the same soil every year. It is also a great method of integrated pest management—controlling pests through natural processes and minimizing the use of pesticides.
They may also use advanced irrigation techniques or weather forecasting tools to conserve water while still ensuring crops receive the optimal amount of water needed to thrive. Sensors in the soil can be utilized to notify farmers exactly when the soil is in need of water. This helps farmers water the exact right amount and only when the crops need it. Farmers might also use drip irrigation to conserve water and more directly meet the needs of their crops, without wasting resources or triggering large amounts of water runoff. Many generational farmers also use energy-efficient equipment to further reduce their carbon footprints.
The impact of sustainable farming practices cannot be underestimated. As the West Central Research and Outreach Center at the University of Minnesota notes, consumers are more closely tracking environmental aspects of farming, which range from soil erosion to water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
Community Connection
If you’ve ever bought produce from a local farmer’s market, you’ve likely interacted with the farmer who grows your food. Generational farmers are hugely tied to their communities. Since their families have been in the region for generations, they feel deeply connected to the people who live there.
By giving consumers access to a nutritious and reliable food source, local growers help promote food security within their communities. Likewise, just as consumers depend on farmers for their food supply, local growers also depend on their customers. Fortunately, there are many ways people can show their support and help sustain the livelihood of generational farmers.
Consider, for example, joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. These programs allow community members to support their local growers by buying farm products on a membership or subscription basis. Deliveries then come straight to your door.
If you’re looking for a larger supply of farm products for a business operation, such as a supermarket or wholesale business, you can also find growers through a local agricultural association. For example, the Washington State Potato Commission will connect you to suppliers who provide a premium-quality Washington potato product.
You know the old saying, “you are what you eat”? It may sound silly, but there is some truth to that phrase. We should all strive to consume great-tasting, nutrient-dense foods, such as potatoes. Sometimes, that’s as easy as looking in our own backyards. So choose to support your local growers and experience the difference a homegrown product can make.