Indian farmers and ranchers own more land yet make less off their operations and receive fewer federal services than their White counterparts, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The average Indian farmer owns 1,400 acres, compared to 400 for the typical American farm. Indian operations pull in $40,000 a year, much lower than $135,000 for all farms.

Despite owning more land, Indian farmers are less likely to receive federal services. Only 13 percent of Indian farmers received government aid, compared to 39 percent for White farmers.

"Native Americans are stereotyped, either as drunk or lazy, and not capable of, I guess, competing with white farmers and ranchers," farmer George Keepseagle told the Associated Press. "White people farm here, too, but they can get financing and we can't."

Keepseagle and his wife, Marilyn, are lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit that alleges systemic discrimination by the USDA against Indian farmers and ranchers. Settlement talks are underway.

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American Indian farmers have more land, less cash (AP 1/14)