Center looks at Latino farmers in Kansas, Nebraska

The number of Hispanic and Latino farmers in Nebraska and Missouri is declining, and the Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs is trying to find the reasons. Its first report gives a snapshot of Hispanic and Latino farmers in both states, and the second discusses possible barriers faced when starting, developing or sustaining farming or ranching businesses. More reports are forthcoming.

In both states, Latinos are more likely to own or operate small farms. Jon Baily discovered that in both states, farming is not the primary income source for Latinos. Latino-owned farms in Missouri are smaller than those in Nebraska, but Nebraska farms are still in the smallest farm-size category. More Latino farmers in Missouri fully own their farms than those in Nebraska, who only co-own.

Rafael Martinez-Feria, who wrote about barriers and challenges for Hispanic and Latino farmers, said the purpose of the study is to "reach out" to them, learn about the barriers and explore their relationships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasizing access to USDA programs. He identifies some barriers as limited access to land, machinery and equipment and limited economic resilience, financial literacy and education. (Read more)