A Gray Picture of Alabama Farming

A federal census of agriculture paints a gray picture of Alabama agriculture.

Much like a century ago, families or individuals handle most of the farming in Alabama. But that’s where much of the comparison ends. For unlike a century ago, most 21st century Alabama farmers are considerably grayer. Most farm about 200 acres. Many have little to show for it from the standpoint of profit. Some farm only as a sideline.

The average age of an Alabama farmer was 56.6 compared to 54.7 in 1997, according to the USDA’s preliminary 2002 census.

One of the greatest threats to many of these farms appears to be encroaching urbanization. High real estate values, particularly in Madison, Shelby and Baldwin counties, continue to transform farmland into pavement, writes Garry Mitchell, Associated Press reporter.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at March 1, 2004 08:46 AM | TrackBack