In a story that puts a face on the Census of Agriculture statistic about the increase in Hispanic farmers, the New York Times says, “They have classic American bootstrap stories of grit, determination and a little bit of luck. Some own the land they till while others rent. Many employ Mexicans whose language and job duties they understand intimately.” The majority of Hispanic-owned agricultural businesses are family-owned, says the Times. “Some of the younger, second- or third-generation Hispanics entering the industry have advanced degrees in agriculture or business.”
In May, a USDA summary said the number of Hispanic-operated farms increased by 21 percent from 2007-12, to 67,000 at latest count, a small portion of the 2.1 million farms in the country. Hispanic-run farms tend to be small operations – 68 percent have sales below $10,000 a year. By comparison, 57 percent of all farmers have sales below $10,000. USDA is scheduled to report in detail on race, ethnicity and gender profile of farmers this month.