Alabama farmers facing challenges, number of farms shrinking [Video]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – It is a tough time for many Alabama farmers. New numbers show the number of farms in the state is shrinking.

Census of Agriculture data shows Alabama has lost 8% of its farms, with around 37,000 in the state.

Across the nation, 7% of farms are gone.

“Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made,” said Mitt Walker with the Alabama Farmers Federation. “You see folks decide to step away. Some of it, though, is consolidation.”

Some Alabama farms are merging. In fact, the average farm size has grown 20 acres.

It is no secret severe weather, COVID-19, and inflation has taken a toll.

Costs for feed, fertilizer and fuel are all up. Other world events are also factors.

“Anytime you have tensions in the Middle East, typically that results in higher energy cost,” Walker added. “The Ukraine and Russia region, they’re big fertilizer exporters.”

But despite these hurdles, Alabama farmers remain optimistic, doing what …