Ag Chat from 3/18/26: Small Farms Week
From our Small Farms Agent, Anass Banna

Each year, Small Farms Week highlights the programs and activities conducted by
Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University that support limited resource, small-scale, part-time and alternative-
enterprise farmers.
The data from the 2017 Census highlights several important trends in agriculture in
Caswell County. More than half of the farms—56%, or 275 farms—have less than
$5,000 in annual sales, indicating that many operations are very small or part-time
farms. In addition, 140 farms (28%) are smaller than 50 acres, and over 75% of all
farms are under 200 acres. This shows that agriculture in the county is largely
made up of small-scale farms rather than large commercial operations, yet these
farms still represent a significant part of the local agricultural landscape.
The age distribution of farm producers is another major concern. Out of 736
producers, only 33 are younger than 35 years old, while 332 are 65 or older. This
suggests that the farming population is aging rapidly, and without new generations
entering agriculture, the county could face challenges maintaining its agricultural
productivity and rural economy in the future.
Addressing the aging farmer population will require coordinated efforts from
community leaders, educators, policymakers, and agricultural organizations. By
improving the public perception of agriculture, strengthening agricultural
education, connecting farming with modern technologies and social media,
empowering youth to participate in agricultural discussions, and expanding access
to land and financial resources, stakeholders can create meaningful pathways for
young people to enter the agricultural sector.
Encouraging youth participation in agriculture is not only essential for sustaining
farm production but also for preserving rural communities, supporting local
economies, and ensuring long-term food security. Investing in the next generation
of farmers today will help ensure that agriculture in Caswell County remains
strong, innovative, and sustainable for years to come.

Small Farms Week 2026 honors the small-scale growers who put food on our
tables. Our 40 th annual Small Farms week celebration runs from March 22 to 28 in
person on the campus of N.C. A&T State University. In Caswell County, to
celebrate small farmers and their contribution to our community, our economy and
providing food on our tables, Cooperative Extension is organizing a food drive the
entire month of March. All items collected will be donated to a local food bank to
help families in need.