AIM: What types of farming are prevalent in MDCs and why? Do Now: Quiz 2

Livestock is best adapted to grazing lands on frontiers. I. Introduction and Establishment Cattle brought by Columbus. Cattle thrived in the wild II. Open range and cattle drives U.S. government owned most land used by ranchers. Ranchers allowed to let cattle graze anywhere. Livestock farmers did not have to own much land.

Cattle Drive

Open range declined over time as farmers became more sedentary Open range declined over time as farmers became more sedentary. Ranchers forced to rent land or buy land from the government and confine animals to their territory Herefords were cattle introduced from Europe that became the dominant type of cattle in the United States. It has more desirable meat than Longhorns but could not survive in the same types of environments. A feedlot or feed yard is a type of animal feeding operation (AFO) which is used for finishing livestock, notably beef cattle, prior to slaughter.

Sheep are a popular livestock product in Australia. Recent ranch ownership patterns – Cattle still raised on ranches but usually sent to feedlots to be fattened up for sale. Ranches are often owned by meat processing companies instead of individuals Sheep are a popular livestock product in Australia. South America focuses on cattle, but practice has declined in favor of growing more profitable crops.

Longhorns vs. Herefords

Mediterranean Agriculture Hot and Dry summers Hilly lands Sea breezes Most crops grown for human consumption Rather than animal consumption Horticulture – growing of fruits, vegetables and flowers and tree crops for commercial base of Mediterranean farming.

Vineyard, Sonoma Valley California

Olive Farm

Olives and Grapes are the major cash crops in the Mediterranean regions. California provides much of the citrus fruits, tree nuts, and deciduous fruits consumed in the United States. More horticulture is practiced in California than any other Mediterranean region

Truck Farming truck farming, horticultural practice of growing one or more vegetable crops on a large scale for shipment to distant markets. It is usually less intensive and diversified than market gardening. At first this type of farming depended entirely on local or regional markets. Takes place in the American Southeast. Among the most important truck crops are tomatoes, lettuce, melons, beets, broccoli, celery, radishes, onions, cabbage, and strawberries. 

U.S.A. southeast has a long growing season, has access to the major east coast cities, and a humid climate. Truck farmers sell their produce to consumers as well as processers. They keep labor costs low 3 ways. Hire migrant workers Experiment with seeds and manure to maximize efficiency Specialize with a few crops

Specialty farming Grow crops that have a limited but increasing demands among affluent consumers (asparagus, peppers, mushrooms, strawberries, and nursery plants) In New England.

Gardening