Small farms in North Carolina, United States: Analyzing farm and operator characteristics in the pursuit of economic resilience and sustainability

Abstract

Ensuring the sustainability of small farms relies on understanding farm economics, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect. In North Carolina, many small farms are confronted with financial challenges and the risk of collapse. This study examines the factors that influence farm profitability while considering the intersectionality of race and gender. The findings reveal significant disparities in farm and operator characteristics. Specifically, first‐generation and retiree farmers exhibit a lower likelihood of profitability. Conversely, factors positively associated with profitability include owning larger farm acreage, engaging in commercial agricultural production, utilizing paid family labor, practicing full‐time farming, and being a non‐White minority farmer. To foster the sustainability of small farms, it is imperative to implement policies that support full‐time farming and incentivize the use of paid family labor. These measures can contribute to bolstering profitability and safeguarding the economic viability of small farms.

Enhancing Year-Round Profitability for Small-Scale Ranchers: An Economic Analysis of Integrated Cattle and Mushroom Production System

“…The net present value (NPV), representing the present value of all future cash flows, was calculated in Excel using Equation (1). This calculation incorporated the initial investment and all future revenues and expenses over a five-year period.…”

“…Farm profitability remains the foremost objective for many small-scale farmers [1][2][3]. Nonetheless, the economic landscape for many small-scale ranchers is challenging, characterized by fluctuating market prices, land use constraints, climate uncertainties, and escalating management and operational costs [4,5].…”

“…Nonetheless, the economic landscape for many small-scale ranchers is challenging, characterized by fluctuating market prices, land use constraints, climate uncertainties, and escalating management and operational costs [4,5]. Unfortunately, a significant number of farmers have been forced to exit the profession due to minimal or negative profit margins [1,3]. This study aims to evaluate the economic feasibility and viability of an integrated mushroom and cattle production system (ICMPS) as a means to enhance year-round profitability for small-scale cattle ranchers in North Carolina (N.C.), United States (U.S.).…”

The raced and gendered persistence of human‐exemptionalism

“…Similarly, Bhatia (2022) finds that ecological intentional communities that incorporate equitable work arrangements challenge the patriarchal gender structure in their practice of ecological sustainability. As more acres and profits are held by white male farmers (Quaicoe et al., 2024), more research is needed to explore the relationship between gender, race, and sustainability within agriculture led by Black, Indigenous, Latine, and other persons of color.…”