America is Losing 77 Family Farms a Day. This Is a Crisis We Cannot Ignore.
Every single day, 77 family farms in the United States disappear. This alarming statistic isn’t just a number—it’s a stark reflection of a system that’s systematically dismantling American agriculture. As we dive into this critical issue, we must face the facts: USDA regulations, monopolized meatpacking, foreign land grabbers, and crippling debts are suffocating our farmers.
In a recent interview, rancher Breeauna Sagdal, a fellow at the Beef Initiative, lays bare the truth: the system isn’t broken—it’s rigged against the very backbone of our nation. From impossible USDA slaughter regulations to foreign entities buying up our land, there’s a clear agenda at work here. We need to unite and support our local producers before it’s too late.
The Harsh Reality of Negative Income
Farmers are drowning. Many are forced to take on second jobs, working longer hours just to scrape by. During a June 17 broadcast, Sagdal articulated a heartbreaking reality: “It feels like we’ve become serfs on our own land.”
According to USDA data, median farm income from farming alone was a staggering negative $1,781 in 2023. Over half of livestock producers recorded losses. How? By relying on off-farm jobs or racking up debt—often leading to liquidation of their breeding stock. This situation is intolerable and unsustainable.
Farmers Restricted from Feeding Their Communities
In an outrageous twist, U.S. regulations even prohibit farmers from selling their produce to friends and neighbors. Sagdal shares her frustration: “I can’t legally sell what I grow on my farm.” Why? USDA slaughter rules demand that meat be processed at USDA-certified facilities, a requirement that few can meet. Meanwhile, a handful of corporations control nearly all of the meatpacking industry, leaving our farmers powerless.
We must stop criminalizing food production. As Sagdal boldly states, “It might be easier to sell heroin than raw milk.”
The Shocking Debt and Foreign Ownership Crisis
The Farm Credit System currently holds a staggering 46% of U.S. agricultural debt—essentially putting our farmers at the mercy of bureaucratic institutions. As Sagdal highlights, when farmers default on loans, the land does not remain American-owned. Instead, it quietly shifts into the hands of foreign buyers, with Canada being the biggest culprit in this land grab.
We cannot allow this to continue. The ramifications of foreign ownership extend beyond economics—they threaten our national security.
The Monopolistic Grip on Production
The consolidation of power within the agriculture sector is alarming. Just a few corporations dominate the meat market, stifling competition and crushing independent farmers. JBS, for example, has been caught price-fixing, yet remains operational due to its size and political connections.
With four corporations controlling 85% of the livestock market, farmers find it nearly impossible to compete. That’s a direct threat to our food sovereignty.
A Double Standard Favoring Imports
The U.S. government’s regulations are lopsided. While American farmers are suffocated by red tape, imported meat bypasses these stringent standards. We’re even importing approximately 26% of our ground beef—a situation that should outrage every American.
As food imports rise, we must ask ourselves: what happens to our food security when we are dependent on foreign products?
The Time for Action Is Now
The loss of 77 family farms a day is a warning we cannot ignore. From 2017 to 2024, over 160,000 farms vanished. This decline isn’t just an economic problem; it’s a national security crisis. We must rally together to support our local ranchers and farmers.
You want change? Start by shaking your rancher’s hand. Support them—ask questions about where your food comes from and how it is produced. Every dollar spent locally is a step toward reclaiming our communities and our agricultural future.
Breeauna Sagdal expresses it perfectly: “We simply want the opportunity to access the marketplace and give the American people a choice.”
Remember: when the farms are gone, the labels will deceive, and your beef will come from foreign lands.
Now is the time to take action. Support your local rancher and be part of the solution.
