How Much Does The Average Farmer Make During A 4th Of July BBQ?

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the National Farmers Union says family farmers are getting a shrinking share of the money consumers spend on food.  The group says farmers now receive just 11.8 cents of every food dollar.

For example, a one-pound package of ground beef selling for about $6.50, the farmer's share is just two dollars and 42 cents.  On a package of hamburger buns, growers get only nine cents.  Farmers also receive about 26 cents from a nearly six-dollar bag of potato chips and 89 cents from a package of corn on the cob. See the table below for additional examples

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

The Farm Safety Net Isn't Working

The Farmers Union says rising debt, higher production costs, and consolidation in the food industry are leaving many family farms under increasing financial pressure.  Farm bankruptcies rose 46% from 2024 to 2025, farm debt levels are at record highs, and input costs continue to rise as commodity prices remain low. 

"For 250 years, the stories of family farmers and ranchers have been woven into the fabric of this country," said NFU President Rob Larew. "But on this anniversary, we owe it to them to be honest: corporate consolidation has left agriculture and food supply chains fragile and uncompetitive, squeezing the farmers who grow our food and the families who buy it. Two hundred and fifty years in, family farmers deserve better." 

“These numbers tell the story of a farm safety net that isn't working; one that is too often slow, inconsistent and disconnected from the realities farmers face, reacting to crises rather than preventing them,” added Larew. 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com