1. More Developed Country Agriculture
Commercial Agriculture

2. Five Characteristics Small number of farmers Heavy use of machinery
Large farm size
Output sold to processors
Integration with other businesses

3. 1. Small percentage of farmers
Fewer than 2 percent of the of the labor force in Canada and the US
More than 60 percent in LDCs
The US had 5.6 million farmers in 1960, and 2 million by the mid 1990’s

4. 1. Small percentage of farmers
The amount of land devoted to agriculture remains the same.. See Western Europe and the US
Annual loss of farmland in the US is only 0.01%. But it is offset by the creation of new agricultural land.

5. 2. Heavy Use of Machinery
Reliance on technological and scientific improvements
Transportation improvements aid commercial farmers. Goods can be transported farther and faster.

6. 2. Heavy use of Machinery
University laboratories, industry, and research organizations generate new fertilizers, herbicdes, hybrid plants, animal breeds, and farming practices
Access to information is more readily available.

7. 3. Large Farm Size US farms average 473 acres
Most commercial farms are family owned and operated. 98% in the US.
Size is a product of mechanization (the expense of mechanical equipment cannot be tolerated on a small farm.)

8. 3. Large Farm Size
Commercial Agriculture is an expensive business.

9. 4. Output Sold to Processors
Farmers grow crops and raise animals primarily for sale.
Products are not sold directly to consumers but to large food-processing companies.
Large processors (General Foods, Ralston Purina) sign contracts with commercial farmers.

10. 5. Integration with other businesses
Agribusiness - integrated into a large food production industry.
Farmers are less than 2 percent of the US labor force, yet more than 20% of US labor works in food production.

11. 5. Integration with other Businesses
Some of agribusiness jobs include; food processing, packaging, storage, distribution and retailing.
Agribusinesses also include; tractor manufacturing, fertilizer production, and seed distribution, among others.