Identifying the Scope of Agriculture

Early Ag  1930’s – one producer could feed up to ten people  Most people lived in rural areas and were involved  Average towns consisted of 2,500 people  Technology was almost nonexistent

Present Ag  One producer can feed hundreds  Only 2.5% of population is involved in production ag  Most people live in urban areas  Technology and efficiency vastly improved

Farmer Responsibilities  Understand plowing techniques  Proper crops to plant  Time of planting  Fertilizer and Pesticide usage  Irrigation methods  Not an easy job!!!

Rancher Responsibilities  Livestock choice  Breeding seasons ( Estrus synchronization)  Selling times  Selling locations  Health programs  Estimate costs

Modern Ag  Conservation  Research  Improved storage

Ag Product Processing  Raw products transformed to packaged and prepared products  Highly technological  Control measures are used  Jobs available in food and health science

Ag Product Marketing  All business activities required to move a product to the consumer  Computers have become very important  Satellite communications also important

Steps in Ag Marketing  Prepare budget  Commodity groups increase demands for products  Advertising  Selling techniques  Transportation

30% of jobs in the agricultural sector are in the marketing area.

Ag Research and Development  Most significant area  New frontier in ag  Works to solve simple but significant problems related to ag

America can create an Agricultural Dynasty

References  IMS  Microsoft ClipArt