Automation, large scale farming, and improved farming techniques have had a lot more to do with it, than big government.
A family farmer is not going to be able to farm the same small plot of his ancestors did, producing little more than they did and still be able to buy that satellite dish and a modern car, and a college education for their kids, etc. If they aren't going to produce much more than their ancestors, then their standard of living is not going to be much better either.
Actually, it has a lot to do with government.
Go back and review the history of SecAg Earl Butz under Nixon, who set in motion policies that led to the farming crash of the mid-80’s.
Government has been meddling in farming in a big way since the days of Herbert Hoover.
To be viable, you must have at least 350 acres, stay away from large capital expenditures, have strong sons with an
interest in farming, use horse power.