A Graphic Summary of Farm Labor and Population (Based Largely on the Census of 1930 and 1935)

Excerpts from the report: Out of every 100 farm workers on April 1, 1930, approximately 58 were farm operators, 26 were wage workers, and 16 were unpaid family members. The total was 10,482,000. The 1935 Census of Agriculture taken as of January 1, reported the numbers of persons who had done 2 or more days of farm work during the first week of January. Farm operators made up 53 of every 100 farm workers; other family members, 34; and hired help, 13. The total was 12,408,000. Most persons thus occupied in midwinter may be considered all-year workers in the industry. In spite of the differences in dates of census enumeration and questions asked in the censuses of 1930 and 1935, the information obtained shows decided changes in numbers of farm workers. The number of farms, and consequently of farm operators, had risen one-twelfth to 6,812,000. The number of farm family members working on farms without wages had risen to 4,273,000, which is two and one-half times as many as those recorded in 1930 as unpaid family workers. On the other hand, only three-fifths as many hired hands did 2 or more days of farm work during the first week of January 1935 as reported themselves as farm wage workers in 1930. This decline in number doubtless indicates seasonal differences in employment more than actual occupational changes.