Social Forces and Cultural Factors Influencing Farm Transition

Abstract

Numerous studies demonstrate that farm transitions are influenced by farm family dynamics, socio-cultural values, land tenure, succession, and community factors in addition to economic conditions. While researchers and policy makers may inherently know that social forces and cultural factors are important to farm household survival and succession, it is often difficult to pinpoint what the issues are and how to address them. In order to address the social and cultural factors impacting farm transition, it is important to recognize the demographic, social, and cultural differences among produc ers and examine how well current policies and programs respond to these differences. American farmers and ranch ers may operate large, medium or small farms; they may be multi-generation or first-generation producers. The U.S. Census of Agriculture recognizes the demographic characteristics of producers by collecting information on: age, gender, race, ethnicity, and number of years farming. A producer’s cultural and historical legacy influences broader motivations and values which can directly influence how a farm is structured and how transition decisions are made. Likewise, social issues such as the cost of health care and the cost of child care influence farm household economics that directly impact the farm business. Social and Cultural Factors