WEAKLEY, Tenn. – Despite a forecast saying Tennessee might lose several million acres of farmland in the coming decades, farmers in the state say family-owned farms aren’t in jeopardy anytime soon.

Ben Moore, of Dresden, Tenn., grows soybeans, corn and wheat, and raises cattle and hogs on a 4,000-acre family farm that goes back 100 years. Moore works alongside his wife, sons, nephew and three employees, plus his parents are still active.

“In this country, we’re losing farmers,” Moore said. “Even in cases where the land is still productive, we don’t have as many farmers. The cost and work required to farm these days is more than people can comprehend.”

While Moore doesn’t use any formal land preservation efforts, he hopes to instill the importance of farmland preservation in future generations.

“I educate my kids on the importance of the land and that we should never sell our farmland,” he said. “We’re very conscious of the good farmland we have, and any time we build a structure – a house, barn or grain bin – we build it in a place we’re not currently farming. We try to optimize all the land we’ve got because they’re not making any more of it.”

The latest USDA Census of Agriculture found that most American farms are still run by families. Nearly 95 percent of U.S. farms are family-owned. Tennessee and Kentucky rank two-three among states with the most family-owned farms, both behind West Virginia.

Recent USDA data reveals Tennessee had 61,507 family-owned farms (97.5 percent) that generate $5,075,324,965 in sales. Kentucky ranks third with 67,170 family-owned farms (96.8 percent) with sales of $7,789,990,735.

USDA’s data calculated the share of farms in each state that meet the USDA’s definition of a family farm (where most of the business is owned by the principal operator and their relatives) and examined the market value of agricultural products sold.

The United States is currently home to about 2 million farms, a stark contrast to more than 6 million in the 1930s.

In Weakley County, Keith and Linda Fowler tend to corn, soybeans and wheat on their soon-to-be verified century farm dating back to 1894. Keith works with his son and three employees farming about 6,000 acres.

The area around Martin, Tenn., hasn’t been impacted by development as strongly as high-growth areas like Nashville, but change is happening, nonetheless.

When it comes to rising land prices, Fowler empathizes with young Tennessee farmers trying to break into the industry but understands the landowner’s point of view.

“It’s easier to divide money than it is to divide land, especially if there are multiple heirs,” he said. “The money you can generate selling it to a solar company or developer is so much more than you get farming – it pales in comparison. A lot of people like to keep land open, but whoever owns it should have the right to do with it whatever is best for them.”

Fowler’s personal strategy for ensuring his land remains a farm is through intentional decision-making.

“As a family, we’re estate planning to make sure we can pass down the land without having to sell the land to pay taxes,” he said. “We’re trying to make the business profitable and up to date to keep the farm together so that it can remain as a farm for generations to come.”

The pluses of family-owned farms are many. The role of these farms stands as a testament to the intrinsic economic benefits these farms bring to the table. Beyond the fields and barns, these farms play a pivotal role in supporting local economies, fostering self-sufficiency and contributing to the broader economic ecosystem, according to members of the Greene County Historical Society

Family-owned farms exemplify the spirit of self-reliance, often producing a variety of crops and livestock that cater to their community’s needs. This model not only ensures a diversified product base but also fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. By operating on a scale that allows for personal oversight and decision-making, family farmers can respond quickly to market demands and consumer preferences.

Job creation is another key economic advantage of family farms. Despite being smaller in size, these farms provide numerous employment opportunities for local residents. From seasonal harvests to year-round farm management, the labor required to sustain a family farm contributes to reducing unemployment rates in rural areas.

The economic footprint of family farms extends beyond their immediate operations. By participating in local farmers’ markets, cooperatives, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, these farms become economic engines for their regions.

In regions where family farms are a significant presence, the rural economy thrives. For instance, in the Midwest, family dairy farms support local creameries and cheese producers, which in turn supply nearby restaurants and grocery stores. This local supply chain reduces transportation costs and environmental impacts while increasing the freshness and quality of the products available to customers.