Farm numbers continued to decline throughout the 1980's as they have since 1935. The U.S. farm sector will enter the 1990's in a much improved financial position after the financial difficulties of the early and mid-1980's. Small farms dominate in farm numbers, but a relatively few large commercial farms produce most US. food and fiber. Almost all US. farms are family-owned businesses. Today's farmers who hope to continue into the 21st century must master the technical aspects of farm production and marketing and also understand the implications for their farm businesses of changes in Federal monetary and fiscal policy, international exchange rates, environmental policy, tax policy, and emerging technologies.