THE AGRICULTURAL CORE (CHAPTER 11)

Introduction The "agricultural core" is outlined on the map on page 241. Overlaps in the east with the "manufacturing core” The early demands of agricultural producers stimulated urban development and growth in manufacturing. Location is sometimes referred to as the "Middle West” Reflects a carry-over from the days of eastern seaboard dominance Culturally - a region of farms and factories; comprised of a dispersed, rural, white, Protestant population and a clustered, urban, Black and immigrant population. “Agricultural core” refers not to geographical location, but to an area of cultural intensity - small town and rural.

Population Composition Predominantly white culture originating from Northwestern Europe Germany, The Netherlands, British Isles, and Scandinavia. Settled by the late 1800s Shows neither extreme of America's social, political, or economic spectra. Houses a limited Black population Economic opportunity was limited, except in major metropolitan areas, during major migration periods. Much of the agricultural core has declined in population since the 1930s.

Physical Geography Climate Entire region receives >30 inches of rainfall each year, with the southern margins receiving >40 inches. Most rain falls during the growing season, from April through November. Limited variability in rainfall over a ten year period. Rainfall amounts, frequency, and timing are all beneficial. Growing seasons average around five months. Region experiences a continental climate.

Physical Geography Relief Gently rolling - not too flat, nor too hilly Resists erosion Enhances proper drainage There are very few unused areas. The topography is conducive to large-scale mechanization.

Physical Geography Soils Generally of good quality Two major types Alfisols Generally found east of central Iowa, except for central Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Formed under conditions of moderate moisture and associated with coniferous or mixed forests. Have a thin surface horizon that is deficient in humus, but the B horizon has not been leached.

Physical Geography SOILS (cont) Mollisols Generally found west of Central Iowa. Formed under grasses rather than forests. Characterized by a dark brown to black color and are rich in organic matter. Have a deep surface horizon and are among the most fertile soils in the world.

Soils

Accessibility Network Blessed with a natural system of inland waterways. The Great Lakes, and the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers serve all portions of the region and permit the easy and inexpensive shipment of goods. The network has long facilitated transportation and economic interaction throughout the region and beyond.

Carrying Capacity The number of people that an area can support given the quality of the natural environment and the level of technology of the population Especially significant within the agricultural core because the region has a tremendous carrying capacity and is capable of hosting a much larger population.

Agriculture Major Producing Areas/Products Corn Belt Feed grain & livestock farming-the dominant system Historically, corn has been best suited for the environment and ensured a good economic return. Three crop rotation system was developed by 1820. Advantages of corn High grain yields It can be grown close together One can use stalks and leaves as silage Environmentally suited to the climate and soil.

Agriculture Dairy Belt Located in Wisconsin and Central Michigan Climate prevents feed grain maturation. Farmers rely on silage, oats, barley, and hay crops to support large dairy herds. Produces a large proportion of the country's dairy products Accounts for 1/2 the total cheese output

Agriculture Fruit Growing Regions Along the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin and Michigan Cherries and apples Along the shores of Lake Erie Grapes

Agriculture Soybean Substitution Act as a soil “reconditioner” and increase the nitrogen content Environmental requirements for soybeans are broad. Versatile – Eat the bean directly. Mill it to produce vegetable oil or meal. Use it as livestock feed. Serve it as grain. Use it as a meat or milk supplement. Great demand on the world market and is stable Enables a two year rotation

http://www.usda.gov/nass/graphics/county98/sbyld.htm

Agriculture Mechanization and Farm Size (TRENDS) Increasing emphasis on large scale mechanization Increasing farm size Decreasing number of farms in the region

Key Terms Silage Fallow Porkopolis Refers to fodder (livestock feed) Prepared by storing & fermenting green forage in a silo. Fallow Pertains to agricultural land that has been plowed or tilled but left unseeded during a growing season. Conserves moisture but also has a restorative effect. Porkopolis A nickname given to Cincinnati by the 1830s Based on the intensive hog raising activities of the surrounding area in Southern Ohio.

Township and Range System

Township Divided into Sections

1 SQ MI Section Divided into Acres

THE AGRICULTURAL CORE (CHAPTER 11)