The Changing Structure of Agriculture Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa Rural Agents Conference

1. The Changing Structure of Agriculture Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa Rural Agents Conference January 26, 2006 Michael Duffy Director, Beginning Farmer Center

2. The Changing Structure of Agriculture: Outline • Farming • Agribusiness • Consumption

3. The Changing Structure of Agriculture: Farming • A farm is defined as any place that sold or could have sold $1,000 worth of agricultural products. This definition has been used since 1974 • Case of the disappearing middle • Tight margins • Increased reliance on government payments • Aging population • Changing rural environment

4. General Characteristics and Demographics

19. Income and Enterprises

31. Land

40. Next Generation

45. The Changing Structure of Agriculture: Agribusiness • Disappearing middle • Increasing concentration