U.S. Farmer Population by Crop: What America’s Farmers Grow in 2025

👨‍🌾 How Many Farmers Are There in the U.S. in 2025?

The American farmer population is steadily shrinking. In 2025, the U.S. has just under 2 million farms, a sharp decline from the 6.8 million farms recorded in the 1930s. However, farm sizes are growing, and so is productivity.

According to USDA data:

• Average farm size: ~445 acres

• Over 55% of farms are operated by individuals over age 55

• Only 9% of farmers are under 35

• Women own/operate nearly 36% of farms

🌽 Top Crops by Number of U.S. Farmers and Acreage

Here’s a breakdown of the most widely grown crops in the U.S., based on the number of farmers and total acres planted.

🔝 Most Common Crops in the United States (2025 Estimates)

Crop	Total Acres	Approx. Number of Farmers	Primary States
Corn	94 million	300,000+	Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska
Soybeans	86 million	280,000+	Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota
Wheat	48 million	145,000+	Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma
Cotton	10 million	~15,000	Texas, Georgia, Mississippi
Hay/Alfalfa	52 million	500,000+	Texas, California, South Dakota
Vegetables	~7 million	100,000+	California, Florida, Arizona
Fruits & Nuts	~5 million	85,000+	California, Washington, Oregon

Corn and soybeans make up more than 50% of all U.S. cropland, with strong support from both domestic markets and exports.

📊 Trends in American Agriculture

1. Fewer Farmers, Larger Farms

• Farm consolidation is accelerating.

• Corporate and family partnerships now control a growing share of production.

• Small farms (<100 acres) still make up over 50% of the total number of farms—but produce less than 10% of output.

2. Crop Specialization

• Most commodity farmers plant only 1 or 2 crops, often in rotation (e.g., corn-soybean).

• Specialty crop growers (fruits, vegetables, organics) are increasing, especially on small farms near urban centers.

3. Regional Concentration

• Midwest: Corn, soybeans, and livestock

• South: Cotton, peanuts, rice, and poultry

• West: Vegetables, fruit, almonds, and dairy

• Northeast: Diversified crops and small farms

🌎 Who Are America's Farmers Today?

Farmer Demographic	% of Total
White (non-Hispanic)	95%
Hispanic or Latino	6%
Black or African American	1.3%
Asian	0.8%
Female operators	36%
Under 35 years old	9%

There’s growing support for young, minority, and first-generation farmers through USDA grants, mentorship programs, and land access initiatives—but barriers remain high.

🌱 The Future of Farming in the United States

American agriculture is becoming more efficient, specialized, and tech-driven. While crop yields increase, the number of people growing those crops continues to shrink. Key questions loom for the industry:

• Who will replace today’s aging farmers?

• Can small farms survive in a world of consolidation?

• How will climate change shift crop viability?

As we look ahead, understanding the intersection of farmer demographics, crop choices, and regional dynamics is essential for shaping policy, investing in agriculture, and ensuring food security.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

Whether you're a farmer, investor, student, or ag-tech entrepreneur, knowing what crops dominate U.S. farming and who is growing them is critical. From massive cornfields in Iowa to small vegetable plots in California, the American farmer is evolving—fast.

For ongoing updates on U.S. crop statistics, sustainable farming trends, and precision agriculture tools, subscribe to our Ag Insider newsletter.