Producers

Small Farms-What are they?

“We are fighting for crumbs on the table rather than changing the table” author unknown

What is a small farm?  It is often defined as a tract of land cultivated for the purpose of agricultural production or devoted to raising or breeding animals.  Sizes of small farms vary from one acre to hundreds, depending on what part of the country you live in.  Small farms generally are not containment or factory farms, and they usually don’t mass produce just one crop.

The USDA defines small farms as those with a gross cash farm income of less than $250,000. Small farm households usually have another source of income, while large farm household earn most of their income from farming.

Small farms in our country and state play an important role in our agriculture communities, as well as urban areas that rely on fresh foods from local farmers markets.  Nationally, small farms account for 91 percent of all farms and 23 percent of agricultural production. Small farms are on the increase with more folks seeking a rural lifestyle or the capacity to grow one’s own food.  How many of us know someone with a few acres that plants extra food for friends, relatives, or to sell at the local farmers markets, or livestock sales?

The USDA is preparing to undertake their census count.  It will be interesting to see the results as they pertain to the growth and diversification of small farms and their products.

Denise

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Here is a directory of producers and their contact information.

If you would like to be included, please email us at TheFarmConnection@gmail.com

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Charlotte County, Virginia

Masters Touch Farm

Halifax County, Virginia

Ann Stanger

Hudson Heritage Farms, LLC

Old Chester Farm

Poplar Spring Farm

Soleil Farm

Pittsylvania County, Virginia

White Flint Farm

The information contained herein is provided as a public service with the understanding that neither  The Farm Connection or its authors Leslie Keck and Denise Hudson make any warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information.  Nor does The Farm Connection or its authors Leslie Keck and Denise Hudson warrant that the use of this information is free of any claims of copyright infringement. The Farm Connection web pages may review and provide insight about products but do not endorse any providers or their products.