US States With The Highest Number Of Farms

When talking about the United States, many people immediately think of the bustling and high-tech cities located within the country, especially on the west and east coasts. However, America is actually a farm-based nation, and many US states have a huge number of farmland and agricultural farms. In this article, we will be taking a look at the US states that have the highest number of farms, as well as giving more information about the farming culture of America, where the majority of the country’s farms are located, and the types of farms which dominate these states.

America’s Farming History 

When it comes to farming, the US has a long and rich history. During the 19th century, the number of farms increased rapidly due to the wide availability of land in the West and Midwest, as well as technological advancements in agricultural methods. At this time, small family-owned farms began to spread, covering much of the country’s land. By the later part of the century, the number of farms throughout the entire country totalled up to six million.

Farming Today 

Despite the challenges brought about by industrialization and urbanization, farming remains a mainstay of the American economy. Today, there are 2.1 million farms throughout the US, with 98% of them classified as “family farms.” As of 2019 figures, the US agricultural sector employed around 5 million people and contributed $133 billion to the country’s GDP. The sector continues to be a major part of the American socio-economic landscape and helps provide a lot of its citizens with food and income.

States With The Highest Number of Farms 

The US has farms spread all over the country, with the following states having the highest number of farms.

1. Texas: Texas is the top agricultural producer in the US, and its sprawling ranches are iconic of its status. Out of the 2.1 million farms in the US, Texas has the most, with over 181,450 farms. Texas is known for its sweeping ranches, where cowboy culture and agricultural production thrive. The state’s main agricultural commodities are beef and dairy products, followed by cotton and wool, hay, fruit, grain, and vegetables.

2. Missouri: Missouri come in second place in terms of the number of farms in the US, with over 99,20 farms throughout the state. Missouri is known for its rustic farm life and rural appeal, and the main agricultural commodities produced here are hay, corn, soybeans, and wheat.

3. Iowa: Iowa is home to over 90,546 farms, which are spread all over the state. Its most famous commodity is soybeans, which are grown in abundance, along with maize, hay, eggs, and chickens.

4. Oklahoma: Oklahoma has over 61,764 farms, and its main agricultural produce is beef cattle, as well as hay and some dairy. Other agricultural products raised in the state include several types of grains, peanuts, and some vegetables.

5. Nebraska: Nebraska has over 57,849 farms, and its main agricultural produces are beef cattle, corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Other commodities produced in the state include hogs, hay, pigs, and poultry.

Other Notable States 

The following states have a high number of farms as well, though they are not as numerous as the aforementioned states.

6. Kansas: Kansas is home to over 47,417 farms, and its main agricultural produces are wheat, corn, and soybeans. The state also produces sorghum, hay, and oats.

7. California: California, which is the most populous state in the US, has over 39,198 farms. The state’s main produce includes grapes, citrus fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, and cotton.

8. Illinois: Illinois has over 35,863 farms, and its main agricultural produce are corn and soybeans, though there are also a lot of hogs and dairy cows in the state. Other ag products include hay, wheat, and some vegetables.

9. North Carolina: North Carolina is home to over 27,549 farms, and its main produce are tobacco, cotton, swine, poultry and eggs, and some vegetables.

10. Wisconsin: Wisconsin has over 24,719 farms, and its main produce are dairy products, corn and soybeans, and hogs, along with some other agricultural products.

Types of Farms 

Farms in the US are very much divided into two main types.

1. Industrial Farms: Industrial farms, also sometimes known as factory farms, are large-scale farms that incorporate advanced agricultural technology and modern industrial-style management in order to maximize production and profitability. They tend to rely on large tracts of land and typically require a large amount of capital to operate.

2. Family Farms: Family farms are typically much smaller than industrial farms, and are privately owned and operated by a single family. They usually employ a mix of both traditional, low-tech farming methods and modern technology, in which the main aim is to produce a healthy and sustainable yield while keeping costs low.

The US has a rich and distinct farming culture, and despite the many economic and technological changes in the modern era, farming remains an essential part of the country’s socioeconomic landscape. As shown, many states across the US have a proliferation of farms, and the top states with the highest number of farms are Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, California, Illinois, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. These states produce a wide variety of agricultural products, and the types of farms found in the US can mainly be divided into industrial farms and family farms.