The number of farms in Georgia is diminishing, but the ones that remain are big and highly productive, according to the latest round of federal agriculture data.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released preliminary results this week from its census of agriculture, which it conducts every five years, offering an early glimpse at the state of the American farm between 2007-2012.

Georgia farms decreased in number by 12 percent, while the average acreage of a farm — 228, about half the national average — increased by 8 percent. The mean acreage — 70 acres — also increased.

Following national trends, farms in Georgia, which contribute $70 billion to the state’s economy, are growing larger in size, but fewer actual farmers are staying in the business.

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