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The Changing Complexion of Farming in the United States. The changing complexion of farming in the U.S. can be studied by examining the recent trends in the physical structure; the financial structure; the Productivity; and the profitability of farm business in general.
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The Changing Complexion of Farming in the United States The changing complexion of farming in the U.S. can be studied by examining the recent trends in • the physical structure; • the financial structure; • the Productivity; and • the profitability of farm business in general.
The Physical Structure of the Farm Business Sector An examination of the physical structure of the farm business sector must necessarily focus on such things as the number and size of farm businesses, their ownership and control, and the ease of entry into the farm business sector.
The Financial Structure of the Farm Business Sector The financial structure of farm businesses, in general, can be assessed by examining the balance sheet of the farm business sector. Such examination must necessarily focus on the value of farm real estate assets, non-real estate assets, financial assets, real estate debt, and non-real estate debt.
The Productivity of the Farm Business Sector Productivity refers to the level of output per unit of input. Productivity gains can be measured by using • the index of farm output per unit of farm inputs, or • the index of crop production per acre.
The Profitability of the Farm Business Sector Gross income from farming activities and related expenses can be used to examine the profitability of the farm business sector.