Types of Family Farms
Although family farmers of
Knox County share
many features including hardwork, closeknit family relationships, a connection
to the land, and a great passion for farming, the emergence of
newer technologies has caused these family farms to
become more diverse. Farming technology
is more varied today than in years
past with some farmers adopting the newest technologies while others
continuing to use the farming practices of the past.
The size of the family farm has become
more diversified as a result of the
emergence of newer technologies. While many farms remain only a few hundred
acres, some have reached several thousand.
The size of the family unit
often determines the size of the farming operation. As families
grow it is often necessary to enlarge the
farm in order to support the
growing family.
The county has also experienced
specialization in agriculture.
Rather than all farms participating
in the production
of the same products each farm's production is unique. These
similarities and differences make up family farming
in Knox County today.
photo credit: Rachel Balkcom
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