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New from ERS

  • Woman walking down a grocery story isle with two children and a shopping cart with different types of food inside.

    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Food Security: Insights From Administrative Records

    Studies that assess the effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in alleviating food security have primarily been conducted using Federal survey data. These surveys have high rates of SNAP misreporting as it is be shown that

  • Two women holiding children with one holding a smart phone and the other working on a computer.

    Access to WIC-Authorized Vendors and High-speed Internet Services in Urban and Rural Areas

    This report describes the availability of high-speed internet services by U.S. census tract to support the use of online shopping options in WIC. Low-income and nutritionally at-risk women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible for WIC.

  • Woman snuggling a baby with the outline of the State of Arizona over the image.

    Access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the State and Substate Levels: Meaning and Measurement

    Access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the State and Substate Levels: Meaning and Measurement

  • State of Arizona with its State flag in the background surrounded by people and various food items.

    The Frequency and Duration of SNAP Receipt in Arizona, 2009−18

    The Frequency and Duration of SNAP Receipt in Arizona, 2009−18

  • Hogs grouped together.

    The U.S. Hog Industry: Structural Change, Production Systems and Costs, and Manure Management

    This study examines changes in U.S. hog production, including changes in the number of hog farms, the use of production contracts, and farm size. Greater detail is provided on current hog farm structure, such as differences in costs by farm size, and use

  • Images representing the different USDA, Rural Development program areas.

    Exploring USDA Rural Development Programs

    This report examines Federal investment for rural areas of the United States administered by USDA, Rural Development (RD) Mission Area funding obligations. The Single Family Housing program consistently received the largest share of funding, followed by electric, water, and business development programs.

  • Images represending food, trade, and transportation including fresh fruits and vegetables, money, a worker in a field, and a large truck.

    An Application of USDA’s Food Dollar Method to Mexico

    An Application of USDA’s Food Dollar Method to Mexico

  • Farmer in a field looking out at different field conditions.

    Risk Management Practices on U.S. Farms and Ranches, 1996–2020

    This report summarizes the utilization of agricultural risk management strategies by U.S. farms between 1996 and 2020, using data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). The risk management strategies considered in this report fall into four categories: (1) onfarm strategies, such as income and production diversification, and storage; (2) market based tools, including Federal Crop Insurance, marketing and production contracts; (3) other Government programs for managing risk, including countercyclical-type programs and disaster programs; and (4) strategies to manage longer term strategic risk, including investments in farm improvements and succession planning. Results show that although some broad trends in risk management strategy utilization over the past few decades can be identified, these overall dynamics are often associated with factors related to farm size or commodity specialization. Among all farms for the classes of strategies examined, results indicate that holding savings, engaging in off-farm employment, and purchasing insurance other than Federal Crop Insurance (such as private single-peril policies, liability insurance, or property insurance) are the most frequently used strategies.

  • Photos of farmers walking in a pasture with cattle, in a greenhouse with growing plants, driving a tractor, and walking with children through a field.

    Beginning Farmer and Rancher Operations: Characteristics Associated With Business Survival

    Information from the 2017 Census of Agriculture is used to describe the characteristics of farms and ranches with beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs), operators having no more than 10 years of farming experience. The report presents data for farms where all operators are BFRs; at least one, but not all operators are BFRs; and those operations with no BFRs. For each type of operation, the report compares the characteristics of business operations that survived from 2007 to 2017 to those that did not. The analysis identifies which farm and operator characteristics were correlated with farm business survival over this 10-year period. Results suggest that land tenure arrangements, the use of differentiated markets, crop insurance, and government payments are important correlates with business survival for farms operated by beginning farmers and ranchers.

  • Cows grazing in a green pasture surrounded by green trees.

    Status and Trends of USDA Conservation Programs, 2002–2025

    This report provides a broad overview of major U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs that assist agricultural producers improve soil health, wildlife habitat, and water and air quality. We focus on Farm Bill conservation programs over the past four Farm Bills (2002, 2008, 2014, and 2018). Additionally, the report provides historical context regarding how these programs have been implemented under the 2018 Farm Bill.

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