Abstract

This study examined various levels of feelings that small and mid-scale farmers in Kentucky have towards financial and profitability situations of their farm operations. The study uses mailed and online survey data collected from 129 small and mid-scale farmers in 2017. We used an ordered Probit model to analyze data. Findings indicate that the probabilities for small and mid-scale farmers to feel positively, fairly, and negatively are 36 percent, 55 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. We found that small and mid-scale beginning farmers are significantly less likely to feel positively than experienced farmers. Findings showed that those who are knowledgeable about agricultural marketing and agricultural economics are more likely to feel positive. These findings are useful for policymakers, outreach specialists, and other agencies seeking to improve the financial and profitability position of small and mid-size farms.

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