AGRICULTURE-A PROUD INDUSTRY

AGRICULTURE TODAY Many changes since Native Americans started simple farming 1.9 million farms in the United States-able to meet our basic needs For every one person that works on a farm, there are 10 people that work in the ag industry (non farm workers)-provide supplies and services needed to grow crops and raise animals, also market and process farm products

TECHNOLOGY and FARMING Farmers use latest ways of farming Farmers use “smart” machinery and have improved crops and animals Farmers carefully manage the earths natural resources Helps to assure food, clothing, shelter for future generations

SELF-SUFFICIENT FARMING Early farmers were self-sufficient. This means that they used what they had to produce only for their families Little extra was produced. Any extra was bartered or traded w/other farmers Little from off the farm was used

PRODUCING FOR OTHERS As the US developed, farming changed Transportation became necessary Farms near rivers and oceans-advantages Inland, roads and railroads necessary Made it easier for farmers to get supplies and move products

PRODUCING FOR OTHERS con’t Commercial agriculture-producing to sell to others Farmers find out what consumers want, and meet this demand. farmers specialize (crops and animals) Items grown are sold to buyers Buyers (often more than one) process crops and animals and deliver to grocery stores and restaurants

PRODUCING FOR OTHERS con’t A vast marketing system is now used Marketing-getting what people want to them in the desired form –Marketing processes required in commercial agriculture –Many steps may be required

Producing for others con’t Many products are produced for trading w/ other nations –Crops are specifically planted for those products –Example, soybeans grown in IL may be exported to Europe

Producing for others con’t Importing –Most coffee is imported Only grown in Hawaii and Puerto Rico Food, clothing, and shelter materials are traded back and forth. Known as International trade Products may be sold and bought many times Larger products are shipped on large ocean vessels

Benefits of Ag Meets needs of people –People are happier and feel better about themselves Makes the country strong –Secure place to live, healthy citizens, no unrest Provides jobs –Ag employs 20 million citizens, provides money, supports

Benefits con’t Provides trade –Able to trade products w/other countries –Other countries, mostly in need of food Supports industry –A productive ag requires fewer farmers –People are able to work else where making products we want and need

The Future No one knows for sure what the future holds No matter what, people will always need food, clothing and shelter

Factors influencing the future of agriculture Increased population –Ag will need to be more productive to meet the needs of the ever increasing population Energy concerns –Fuels are needed for farm epuipment –Oil supplies expected to dwindle –Have to use alternative fuels-good thing Environment –Have to protect our land, air, water, resources

Influences con’t New crops –Science is making crops more efficient and improved through biotechnology Land –Battle for farmland/or for homes, roads, etc Government programs –Need to have laws that support and will protect ag. –The more people live in the cities, fewer will know agriculture

Influences con’t Changing farms –Ownership and size are changing –Becoming larger and more specialized –No longer a way of life Fewer family owned farms –More like a business