Agriculture Pt. 2 AP Human Geography

Overview Subsistence agriculture is most common in LDC’s. MDC’s rely on commercial agriculture. Commercial agriculture can be broken into 6 categories. – Mixed Crop and Livestock – Dairy Farming – Grain Farming – Livestock Ranching – Mediterranean – Commercial Gardening and Fruit

Dairy Farming Mainly milk, but also butter, cheese, yogurt. Farms are located closer to “market” because items are more perishable. Milkshed- the area around an area to which milk can be delivered w/o spoilage. – Originally 30 miles, now up to 300 miles. Challenges – Labor Intensive – Year round commitment (winter feeding)

Mixed Crop and Livestock Both crops and livestock are raised. Crops, however, are fed to livestock and not intended for human consumption. Land is devoted to crops but profit$ come from animals. Most common in the U.S. w/ corn. Crop rotation used to maximize yield and maintain fertile soil.

Grain Farming Seed from “grasses” – Wheat, corn, oats, barley, rice, millet Grown for human consumption U.S. and Canada account for ½ of World’s wheat exports “Breadbasket” Machines that make wheat farming easier include McCormick reaper and combine.

Corn and Wheat Belts

Livestock Ranching Done in areas where soil is too poor to produce crops. – Texas, Oklahoma Historically Texas to train to Chicago back onto train to the East Coast. Also common in Australia and Argentina.

Mediterranean Southern Europe, N. Africa, California West Coasts – Hot, dry summers, moderate winters, moist air Fruits, vegetables, flowers – Olives, grapes are most important

Commercial Gardening and Fruit U.S. Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, California Truck farmers – Some sold directly to consumers, most to processors. Long growing season and humid climate Specialty farms – Smaller scale farms – Appeal to more affluent consumers