Agriculture encompasses all activities involving the production of plants and animals for use in other endeavors. It includes not only agricultural production but also all that happens before, during, and after the harvest.
Science in Agriculture
Scientific knowledge, innovation, and engineering all play a role in agriculture. It is genetic research that is used to develop the seeds and livestock that farmers buy. All that farm workers use, including tractors, machinery, houses, fertilizer, and more,are created, designed, manufactured, and sold in this industry.
Business in Agriculture
This deals with the legal and financial elements of purchasing land and other farm properties. Business in agriculture involves the process of promoting, selling, and distributing the animals and plants that have been raised. It can also include putting up your used farm equipment for sale once you are done using it.
Agriculture in the United States is Both an Industry and a Way of Life
Even though almost no two farms are alike, family farms account for 97 percent of all farms in the United States. Agriculture is a good match for many people because it is in their blood. A passion for the land and livestock as well as a desire to feed the earth are also passed down from generation to generation. Agriculture is becoming a common and exciting alternative to traditional employment for a growing number of people.It is a chance to fulfill life’s most important needs while still connecting with earth.
Agriculture is Diverse
People in the farming industry know that it is not just livestock, feeds, and plowing. Soil types vary around the world, just as weather does. Farms and plantations are no exception.Farm workers can choose to grow or diversify their operations. They can adhere to a certification, like USDA organic, or work for a particular person or organization. They can sell straight to the customer or through distributors.
Agriculture is a High-Tech Industry
In today’s world, iPads, smartphones, drones, robotics, and other technology are all used by farmers. Wi-Fi, video cameras, and digital feed and climate control devices are all common features in livestock stables. Farmers may use their iPhones to track a cow in labor or change the temperature in a stable.When the electricity goes out, emergency power kicks in automatically, and the farmer receives a text message. Farmers can be more effective and provide more detailed treatment for their livestock due to this innovation.
The U.S Ranks High in Farm Productivity
A farmer or rancher makes up about 1% of the population of the United States. Even so, there is no other farming system in the world that is more productive. The United States ranks third in overall agricultural production (behind China and India, which have larger populations) and first in agricultural exports.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the requirement for food and other agricultural products is projected to grow by 50% between 2012 and 2050. This will be a difficult task, but American agriculture has a long tradition of accomplishing more for less. In the United States, for example, the beef industry produced 11.3 million pounds more beef in 2012 than it did in 1960 while using less land and energy.