Structural changes in U.S. agriculture, influenced by technological and institutional forces, have altered the economic and social characteristics of rural America, especially that segment of rural America populated by farmers and their families. Changes in the structure of agriculture have greater implications for small scale farmers, many of whom are African American, in that strategic options for their farm-firms are constrained to: increasing their farm size, exiting farming, and obtaining off-farm employment to survive. This article presents a rationale for public support of limited resource farmers, identifies structural trends in U.S. agriculture and their impacts on African American farmers, discusses economic problems unique to these farmers, and recommends needs for specific public policies and development programs.

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This paper reviews the major issues that impact upon the development of improved fodder species for saline environments across temperate Australia. It describes past and present research that has been, or is being, undertaken towards improvements in salt tolerance in forage species within Australia in relation to the principal regions where salinity occurs. It includes a discussion on the mechanisms of salt tolerance in plants. An extensive list of known or potential salt-tolerant fodder species is provided and the key opportunities for advancement within each of the 4 major forage groups: grasses, legumes, herbs and shrubs are discussed. Constraints to developing new salt and waterlogging tolerant fodder species are identified. A number of recommendations are made for research that should ensure that Australian producers have access to a new array of productive fodder species suited to saline environments.

Structural change in U.S. agriculture has resulted in a decline in farm numbers, increases in farm size, and the dominance of large-scale producers. Although the number of black-operated farms has fallen considerably since the 1950s, a small group of these farmers operate successful farms. A selected group of black farmers in Louisiana was surveyed to determine their strategies for success. The results indicate that success is directly related to (a) good management practices, (b) knowledge and early adoption of new technology, (c) strong work ethics, (d) love of farming, (e) size of operation, (f) participation in government programs, and (g) strong family support.

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