This report describes a farm typology developed by the Economic Research Service (ERS), which categorizes farms into more homogeneous groups than classifications based on sales volume alone, producing a more effective policy development tool. The typology is used to describe U.S. farm structure.
Released Thursday, May 31, 2001
See http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib769
Publication: STRUCTURAL AND FINANCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF U.S. FARMS: 2001 FAMILY FARM REPORT
Family farms vary widely in size and other characteristics, ranging from very small retirement andresidential farms to establishments with sales in the millions of dollars. The farm typology developed bythe Economic Research Service (ERS) categorizes farms into groups based primarily on occupation ofthe operator and sales class of the farm. The typology groups reflect operators' expectations fromfarming, position in the life cycle, and dependence on agriculture. The groups differ in their importanceto the farm sector, product specialization, program participation, and dependence on farm income. These (and other) differences are discussed in this report.:
