USDA report shows significant farm losses, 2.5 million acres of farmland erased in 2025
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by Jeff Ishee
February 19, 2026 - A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the nation’s agricultural landscape continued to contract last year, with thousands of farms disappearing amid ongoing economic pressures. According to the USDA, approximately 15,000 farms were lost nationwide in 2025, marking one of the steepest single‑year declines in more than a decade.
Total land in farms, at 873,950,000 acres, decreased 2,510,000 acres from 2024.
See the full report here>> https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795776/fnlo0226.pdf
The Eastern United States saw some of the most concentrated losses. Kentucky recorded the largest decline in the region, losing an estimated 1,400 farms. North Carolina followed with 800 farms lost. Several other states experienced similar downward trends: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio each reported a loss of 400 farms, while Georgia saw a reduction of 300.
Agricultural economists say the numbers reflect a combination of factors, including high input costs, volatile commodity prices, and lingering impacts from recent weather extremes. Many producers entered 2026 already strained by tight margins and rising debt loads.
A recent report from the American Farm Bureau Federation indicated Chapter 12 bankruptcies increased in 2025 for the second year in a row, reaching 315 filings. This is a 46% increase from 2024.
The organization recently sent an open letter to Congress, saying, "America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop."
State and federal officials say they are working to stabilize the sector. Agencies across the region have emphasized efforts to expand market access, strengthen risk‑management tools, and support beginning farmers. However, they acknowledge that reversing the trend will take time.
Producers themselves describe the current environment as “challenging,” citing uncertainty in both domestic and international markets.
Despite the setbacks, agricultural leaders say they remain committed to preserving farm viability and ensuring that rural communities retain their economic footing.
