Longitudinal Analysis of Farm Size over the Farmer's Life Cycle

Correlation of farmer age with farm size, tenancy, entry, and exit is examined with farm-level data. Entering farmers are younger than exiting farmers. Young farmers and new entrants have smaller farms, grow faster, and are less likely to own farmland than older, more experienced farmers. Farmers tend to decrease farm size at advanced ages. The results suggest the continued existence of the "agricultural ladder" strategy for farm entry. Financial constraints could explain smaller farm size of young farmers and new entrants.