Kentucky is home to more than 69,000 farms, with the vast majority classified as small farms. In recent years, many of these operations have diversified beyond traditional commodities by incorporating specialty crops, cut flowers, agritourism, direct-to-consumer marketing, and value-added products. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for locally produced food and farm experiences while creating new opportunities for small farms to increase profitability and resilience.
Small Farm Resources
Small Farm Trends
- More than 90% of Kentucky farms are classified as small farms.
- Diversification continues to increase, with more producers growing specialty crops and cut flowers.
- Direct-to-consumer sales through farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, and online sales remain important marketing channels.
- Agritourism and value-added products are helping farms generate additional income.
- Small farms play a significant role in supporting Kentucky's local food systems and rural economies.
What is a small farm?
The USDA considers any operation that produces, or normally would produce and sell, at least $1,000 of agricultural products each year to be a farm. Most Kentucky farms fall into the "small farm" category, which includes operations with less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income. These farms range from part-time enterprises to full-time family businesses producing livestock, specialty crops, and value-added products for local and regional markets.