DECLINE IN FARMS FOLLOWS HISTORICAL TRENDS

It comes as no surprise that Missouri has 2,000 fewer farms today than it had a year ago. Still, the state ranks second in the nation only to Texas in total number of farms.

The decline in farm numbers and land use for agriculture continues to follow historical trends. The continued pace of mechanization and higher costs involved in producing row crops, along with steady residential and commercial development around the state are responsible.

Fifty-three percent of all Missouri farms are in the lowest $1,000 to $9,999 annual sales category, while 37 percent are in the medium range with sales from $10,000 to $99,999. Only 10 percent are in the $100,000-and-over sales classification.

The average size of Missouri's 102,000 farms is estimated at 293 acres, up five acres from a year ago and in keeping with a trend of fewer farms and larger average size.

While the number of farms declined, the number of small farms -- those producing from $1,000 to $9,999 in sales annually -- far outdistanced the other categories. The number of those farms fell by 700 from last year, standing at 53,900 this year, still a hefty number.

That shows that a lot of Missourians haven't defected from their rural roots. While farming may not provide their primary means of income, they are still engaged in the profession in some way.