A report released by the Farmer’s Business Network indicated consolidation in agriculture and agribusiness is a leading concern for American farmers and it is impacting their bottom line. FBN Co-Founder and Vice President of Product, Charles Baron says they interviewed their members and analyzed millions of acres of seed and chemical invoices and price records. They found that industry consolidation is negatively impacting farm profits.

Baron says furthermore, yield gains from innovation tapered off as input manufacturers gained market share.

Baron says farm consolidation is also changing the business practices and productivity of operations. Their study found the sweet spot for operations to save from 3 to 4-percent on inputs and also realize higher yields is at or below 3,000 acres.

He says the other concerns farmers shared included low farm profitability and health care coverage and cost.