Disaggregated Farm Income by Type of Farm, 1959-82

Farm production has become more specialized in recent decades, and each type of farm has shown distinct trends in size, number, organization, income, and expenses. Within each type, large-farm numbers have increased at a growing rate but not enough to offset the decline in total farm numbers. These large farms, although a small percentage within each type of farm, have accounted for a growing share of production and expenses. In contrast, small farms have reported small or negative farm income and nonfarm employment as their primary business. Farmers have operated most farms as sole proprietorships. This report presents income, production expenses, and returns by type of farm for 1959-82.