There is no such critter as the traditional farmer anymore.
Very true. A farmer either has to go big, specialize, or have a second job "in town".
With one exception...the organic farmer. There are an ever increasing number of organic farmers here in Maine. And I know they are plentiful in upstate NY.
These farmers are making good money on small acreage. Their vegetables and meats are in high demand...and they take food stamps!
There are two organic farms within a mile of my place. One guy has been here for 20 years. The other guy started his farm about 6 years ago. They make big bucks.
A good friend of mine is just starting out. He grew 800 Cornish cross chickens this year and sold every one of them (at around $20 per bird). He grows several organic crops as well.
I don't doubt that is happening in some areas where the farms are small,but what about the HUGE farms in the mid-west,and some areas of the south. We are talking farms that have thousands of acres of tillable land.
No way are they going to survive from roadside stands.