Abstract: Family farms are the primary management unit in China. In traditional grassland production systems, it is difficult to ensure ecological protection while improving income because of threats such as the gradual reduction in the grassland resource, grassland degradation and the low socioeconomic status of herders. This study reviewed the development of family farms in grassland regions around the world, identifying different ownership and management models, and suggests a definition of family farms in China. It is proposed that the integration of grassland resources and management are important for achieving economies of scale on family farms.