AGR 199 – Contemporary Issues in Agriculture - Mr. Wilson

Welcome Contemporary Issues in Agriculture –Issues Class- meaning an in-depth exploration of conflict between two oppositional sides of an issue.

Conflict Example: Organic Farming vs. Conventional Farming –Organic Position-cut production quantity to focus on production quality for the health of all involved. –Conventional Position- Increase productivity through the use of technology and site specific inputs to increase profitability for producer and decrease food price for consumer.

Introductions Introduce Yourselves –Stand up –Where you’re from –Major –Summer Activity (job, internship, etc.)

What is this class? Better question: What does this class mean? What do the following words mean? –Contemporary –Issue –Agriculture

Contemporary (Adjective) – Existing or occurring at, or dating from, the same period of time as something or somebody else. (Noun) – Somebody or something in existence at the present time.

Issues (Noun) – A topic for discussion or of general concern. (Verb) – transitive verb - To make public something such as a bulletin, statement, warning, or deliver it officially to somebody.

Agriculture As defined by Bill Gates and the Microsoft Crew (Noun) – The occupation, business, or science of cultivating the land, producing crops, and raising livestock. Thesaurus says agriculture is, “Farming, Cultivation, Crop Growing, and Gardening”

Is America illiterate about Agriculture? Or is Agriculture illiterate about Agriculture? –The largest employer –$1,000,000,000,000 industry Since 1850, the definition of a farm has changed 9 times (USDA, 2008).

So…what is a farm? Since 1974, the USDA has defined a farm as… –any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products (crops and livestock) were sold or normally would have been sold during the year

What about this class? Identify issues Effectively communicate Learn how to research Develop independent decisions and opinions with valuable documentation. Gain knowledge in agriculture Gain self-confidence

What will we discuss?

Along with…