1. History of Agriculture

2. Four Periods of Ag 1. Prehistoric Neolithic culture Began by noting which plants were wild then saved seeds to replant Goats and sheep herds were started from wild animals Lived in caves or small houses of mud or wood Early tools made of wood and stone

3. 4 periods of ag 2. Ag through Roman Period Introduction of metals Grapes and wine, olive oil traded 2500 BC to AD 500 Rye and oats cultivated Storage improved Irrigation developed Mixed farming increased

4. 4 periods of ag 3. Feudal Began soon after fall of Roman Empire (about AD 1100) Irrigation allowed Egypt to sell wheat in international market Oranges, lemons, peaches, and apricots were cultivated Wool, leather, and linen were used for clothes

5. 4 periods of ag 4. Scientific Cultivation of sugar, cotton, tobacco, and tea for cash crops Selective breeding of livestock-late 1700s John Deere-steel plow in 1830s Steam engine-late 1800s Better transportation Increased food production due to population explosion

6. Ag in US Originally dependant on European sources for seed, stocks, livestock, and machinery. 20 th century-steam, gas, diesel, and electrical power used Chemical fertilizers, conservation techniques, selective breeding developed further. Standards set

7. Farming Regions 1. Northeast states and Lake states-milk producing area 2. Appalachian region-tobacco 3. Southeast states-beef cattle, broilers 4. Delta states-soybeans, cotton

8. Farming Regions 5. Corn Belt (Ohio to Iowa)-Corn, beef, hogs, dairy products 6. Northern and Southern plains-winter and spring wheat 6. Mountain states-Cattle and sheep Wheat in north 7. Pacific region-wheat, fruit, potatoes

9. Recent Changes 1935-6.8 mil farms Average farm size 1935-155 acres 1991-2.1 mil farms Avg. farm size 1991- 467 acres