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Abstract
Inhabitants of the North Central region have a favorable view of agriculture, regarding farmers as beneficial to the local economy and good environmental stewards. Survey respondents felt that existing environmental regulations are appropriate; that consolidation of agriculture will hurt the environment, society, and local economies; and that government should do more to help local farmers stay in business. Rural nonfarm residents, versus those residing on a farm or in a town or city, were more convinced of farmers’ positive impact on the local economy, but were less concerned about the effect of farm consolidation.