9 Interesting Facts about US Agriculture ...

By Neecey

You might know by now that I like to share facts on various and interesting subjects and today, I’m shining my spotlight on facts about US agriculture. Food production is a massive issue for any country, but as consumers – no matter where we are in the world – we tend to focus on what’s on the supermarket shelves and our plates than how the produce got there. Want to learn something about how your fruit, veggies, and meat make their way to your fork? Read on for some facts about US agriculture (with more than a little nod to the effect on the environment):

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1

Up the Workers!

We really should start off the facts about US agriculture with an acknowledgement to the farm workers. Over 2 million people work on farms in the United States, and interestingly, only individuals and family corporations operate over 90% of all U.S. farms. The agriculture sector in the United States provides jobs to over 15% of the population. (Ref: cals.ncsu.edu)

2

Agricultural Land

One of the most interesting US agriculture facts is that since 1982, there has been a 50% decline in erosion of cropland by water and wind mainly due to the cautious stewardship by farmers. The country has seen an incredible increase in the popularity of a special farming method called "Conservation Tillage," which is in use because it reduces soil loss on cropland and saves energy as well. In 1982, this way of farming was at 17% of acreage, but now it has moved up to 63% of acreage. Not only this, there has been an incredible change in the total land used for specific crops – it has declined by 15% in total.

3

Conservation

It definitely seems as one of the most interesting facts about US agriculture that more than 31 million acres has now been enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, which has really helped soil loss by 622 million tons since its introduction in 1985. This step has helped restore over 2 million acres of wetland and assisted in providing natural habitat for wildlife.

4

Environmentally-Friendly

By taking advantage of the farm bill initiatives, ranchers, farmers, and other landowners have installed over 2 million miles of conservation buffers, which improve air, soil, and water quality. With these buffers, it has become possible to protect wildlife habitat and form picturesque landscapes.

5

Wildlife Protection

Due to the efforts made by American farmers, there has been a consistent population increase in wildlife, such as moose, deer, fowl, and other species. This has become possible because farmers make intentional moves to protect and provide habitat for wildlife that has resulted in significant population increase. Actually, the farmers are entitled to receive funding through the farm bill to keep soil loss to its minimum, restore and preserve wetlands, and purify water and air that largely enhance wildlife.

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Crop Rotation

Yet another interesting fact is that more and more farmers are now showing interest in the practice of 'crop rotation' that involves growing different crops on the same land. This helps take care of the land, improves productivity, and keeps soil erosion to its minimum.

7

Contour Farming

In the list of interesting US agriculture facts, it is important to mention that many farmers are now actively trying to protect soil and conserve water, and for this, they have intentionally started making use of contour farming that involves planting crops across the slope of any particular land. This also means using strains of crops ideally suited to these specific growing conditions.

8

Growth

By making use of specific techniques and farming methods, it has become possible for farmers to produce 262% more food compared to the production in 1950. It is due to this particular fact that the country exported over $115 billion worth of American agricultural products in 2010. What it means is that now the United States exports more fiber and food to different world markets as compared to what is imported. This helps greatly in maintaining an agricultural trade balance. California plays a big role here, as its unique Mediterranean climate makes it possible for farmers to grow more than 450 different crops.

9

Experts

It is one of the most interesting facts about US agriculture that farmers and ranchers are true professionals and are certified and trained in the use of specific agricultural chemicals. Almost 30% of modern day farmers have attended college and they know everything about using new technologies to test and evaluate the soil to improve output. (Ref: cals.ncsu.edu)

I hope you enjoyed a short lesson on some key facts of US agriculture. Did anything surprise you?

Sources: fb.org, agday.org

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I have lived on my families dairy farm for my entire life and the article is 100% true. I also agree that many people have misconceptions about what goes on inside the barn doors. While it is true that some factory farms do not treat all the animals with the greatest care, but many farms treat the animals with care. Just because it happens at one place doesn't mean it happens everywhere. I love living on a farm and hope my kids get the same opportunity

This article is very informative, but there is much wrong with US agriculture...pollution of water and air, the waste of water, and how too many resources are being used on billions of animals and the food (like maize and soybeans) for these animals. That being said, it isn't the farmers fault so much but the citizens of America who indulge in glutinous and extremely unhealthy habits.

Great hey messagecme some time😍☺☺☺😉

Great article -what is wrong with US agriculture is too many people have misconceptions and attitudes about something they know very little about. Have spent my entire life in beef production, our animals are handled with respect and the best of nutrition. I do not spout off telling you how to pour your cement so please refrain from telling us we are so wrong.

@Linky, of course they must comply with govt regulations I don't think the regulations are even good enough

Farmers and their families are some of the smartest and hardest working individuals in America. They take on crazy weather conditions and must comply with govt regulations, just to name a few things. And, all the while, they'll tell you they love what they do.

@Trenda Nielson, idk how its misconception when everyday I find out worse and worse things about factory farming and have seen it with my own eyes how bad animals are treated but OK. I don't believe eating animals at all and that's my opinion which I have a right to have and follow

Lol I don't eat meat because of the factory farming in the US and how terrible animals are treated

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