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New from ERS

  • State of Arizona with its State flag in the background surrounded by people and various food items.

    The Frequency and Duration of SNAP Receipt in Arizona, 2009−18

    The Frequency and Duration of SNAP Receipt in Arizona, 2009−18

  • Hogs grouped together.

    The U.S. Hog Industry: Structural Change, Production Systems and Costs, and Manure Management

    This study examines changes in U.S. hog production, including changes in the number of hog farms, the use of production contracts, and farm size. Greater detail is provided on current hog farm structure, such as differences in costs by farm size, and use

  • Images representing the different USDA, Rural Development program areas.

    Exploring USDA Rural Development Programs

    This report examines Federal investment for rural areas of the United States administered by USDA, Rural Development (RD) Mission Area funding obligations. The Single Family Housing program consistently received the largest share of funding, followed by electric, water, and business development programs.

  • Images represending food, trade, and transportation including fresh fruits and vegetables, money, a worker in a field, and a large truck.

    An Application of USDA’s Food Dollar Method to Mexico

    An Application of USDA’s Food Dollar Method to Mexico

  • Farmer in a field looking out at different field conditions.

    Risk Management Practices on U.S. Farms and Ranches, 1996–2020

    This report summarizes the utilization of agricultural risk management strategies by U.S. farms between 1996 and 2020, using data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). The risk management strategies considered in this report fall into four categories: (1) onfarm strategies, such as income and production diversification, and storage; (2) market based tools, including Federal Crop Insurance, marketing and production contracts; (3) other Government programs for managing risk, including countercyclical-type programs and disaster programs; and (4) strategies to manage longer term strategic risk, including investments in farm improvements and succession planning. Results show that although some broad trends in risk management strategy utilization over the past few decades can be identified, these overall dynamics are often associated with factors related to farm size or commodity specialization. Among all farms for the classes of strategies examined, results indicate that holding savings, engaging in off-farm employment, and purchasing insurance other than Federal Crop Insurance (such as private single-peril policies, liability insurance, or property insurance) are the most frequently used strategies.

  • Photos of farmers walking in a pasture with cattle, in a greenhouse with growing plants, driving a tractor, and walking with children through a field.

    Beginning Farmer and Rancher Operations: Characteristics Associated With Business Survival

    Information from the 2017 Census of Agriculture is used to describe the characteristics of farms and ranches with beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs), operators having no more than 10 years of farming experience. The report presents data for farms where all operators are BFRs; at least one, but not all operators are BFRs; and those operations with no BFRs. For each type of operation, the report compares the characteristics of business operations that survived from 2007 to 2017 to those that did not. The analysis identifies which farm and operator characteristics were correlated with farm business survival over this 10-year period. Results suggest that land tenure arrangements, the use of differentiated markets, crop insurance, and government payments are important correlates with business survival for farms operated by beginning farmers and ranchers.

  • Cows grazing in a green pasture surrounded by green trees.

    Status and Trends of USDA Conservation Programs, 2002–2025

    This report provides a broad overview of major U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs that assist agricultural producers improve soil health, wildlife habitat, and water and air quality. We focus on Farm Bill conservation programs over the past four Farm Bills (2002, 2008, 2014, and 2018). Additionally, the report provides historical context regarding how these programs have been implemented under the 2018 Farm Bill.

  • Illustration representing a product's path from farm, to production, to a grocery store.

    Documentation for the Agri-Food Economic Data System (Ag-FEDS): Multiplier Model Applications

    USDA’s Economic Research Service developed the Agri-food Economic Data System (Ag-FEDS), which is the underlying data source for two food-system specific multiplier models, which provide greater detail and insights into the U.S. food economy than previously available.

  • Dollar bill surrounded by other images representing money, markets, and purchasing.

    A More Detailed Food Dollar: Enhanced Accounting of U.S. Food Costs

    The USDA, Economic Research Service’s Food Dollar measures the costs, along the supply chain, of producing and marketing food to consumers. These measures include the farm share of the food dollar. This report highlights updates to the Food Dollar and the impact of these changes on estimated shares.

  • Woman snuggling a baby with the outline of the State of Arizona over the image.

    Access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the State and Substate Levels: Meaning and Measurement

    Access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the State and Substate Levels: Meaning and Measurement

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