The Potential for Increasing Net Incomes on Limited-Resource Farms in Eastern Kentucky. Research Report 24 [microform] / Fred J. Stewart and Others

The study identified possibilities for improving farm incomes on limited-resource farms in eastern Kentucky. Objectives were to describe farm operations of full-time Appalachian farmers who had gross sales of less than $5,000 in 1972, estimate potential increases in net farm incomes from given resources, and identify nonresource constraints on realization of higher incomes and suggest measures for removing or relaxing these constraints. Usable questionnaires obtained from 102 low-income farmers indicated that these farmers averaged 47 years of age and 6.5 years of education, owned 81 acres of land and rented 24 additional acres. Of the 109 acres, roughly 69 were woodland. Most income was derived from crops, with tobacco being the most important. Results showed that animal-power farms would more than double their net income by using more profitable enterprises, and could increase income 50% more by adopting improved technolgy; tractor-power farms would increase income by 70% from more profitable enterprises, and another 44% from improved technology. Educational implications were that public education programs were needed to inform farmers of the profitability of various enterprises and to make available information needed for those enterprises, but that farmers' age, tradition, and limited education presented obstacles to change. (MH)