American Agriculture in the 20 th and 21 st Century
Slide 2
Third Ag. Revolution: Green Revolution Biotechnology Genetic
engineering: High Yield Seeds Winners: MDCs/ Asia Losers: famine
ridden countries. i.e Sub- Saharan Africa because of government
corruption, lack of infrastructure, poor soil etc. Enough food to
feed the world but intervening governments make it difficult.
Slide 3
Manifest Destiny In the early 20 th century people moved
westward in search of land and ultimately wealth. Farms began to
move from the east coast, Carolinas, to the great-coasts, Illinois
and westward. Overproduction of the Great Plains region contributed
to the dust bowl which would ruin previously soil rich counties and
states.
Slide 4
M.D Cont. Manifest Destiny and a lack of agricultural resources
continued to push settlers westward eventually reaching California.
Here farmers would find soil and climates that would be ripe for
fruit and vegetable production. (ha! punny)
Slide 5
Slide 6
Introduction to a new Era Environmental Modification- the
introduction of manmade chemicals and practices to an area.
Pesticides- intended to kill insects and decrease crop loss.
Creating a more prevalent presence of chemicals in our food and
environment This would help to usher in the organic movement that
would be a cornerstone for the new (or rather old) agricultural
revolution.
Slide 7
Negative Impact Desertification- overgrazing leading to
encroaching deserts with arid regions. When herds graze land that
does not receive enough rainfall the land is stripped of
vegetation, perpetuating the arid climate eventually leading to
barren, desert-like land. Overproduction-high supply, low demand
Mass Production http://aphumangeo.weebly.com/chapter-10-
agriculture.html
Slide 8
The Future of American (Sustainable) Agriculture Sustainable
agriculture- a practice that preserves and enhances environmental
quality. Done through three means: Sensitive Land Management
Limited Use of Chemicals Integrated Crop and Livestock
Slide 9
Sensitive Land Management Ridge Tillage- after harvest,
planting occurs on the top of the ridges formed during cultivation
Saves soil and lowers production cost
Slide 10
Limited Use of Chemicals Conventionally roundup-ready seeds are
used. This is a coated seed that is intended to repel insects and
weeds. More time and money can be applied with same results- high
yield but without harmful chemicals.
Slide 11
Integrated Crop and Livestock A return to the historical form
of agriculture. Growing crops and raising animals together creating
an agriculturally sustainable cycle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6r Hos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6r Hos
Slide 12
Future of American Agriculture Aquaculture- commercial fish
farming Forestry replenishment- timber companies replanting of
trees to ensure a sustainable yield for years to come. Creative
destruction- removal of what nature originally produced in a
particular location to grow what is desired. Genetic engineering
has lead to climate not being the sole dictator of agricultural
production.
Slide 13
Reality of American Agriculture No longer small farms but mass
production. Argue that small farm producers create an unstable,
variety in quantity and quality that had lead to the desire for
mass production farms. Huge feedlots have been popping up,
particularly in the south, where tens of thousands of chicken,
turkey, hog, etc are fattened before slaughter.
Slide 14
just in time farming Feedlots are located close to processing
plants so slaughter to store is a quick process allowing for the
freshest product possible. Small farmers must decide whether to
continue to go it alone or join the growing of feed, rather than
livestock, to sell to large corporate farms. Livestock production
is almost non-existent in the Corn Belt, which almost exclusively
grows corn for feed.
Slide 15
Global Agriculture: World Crop Regions Globally, climate is
still the most important factor in agricultural production.
Shifting cultivation dominates the tropical rainforests Pastoral
nomadism, prevalent in semi-arid regions. The second most important
factor is the economic system of the country. In LDCs if you live
in a more arid climate you are dependent on animals while in more
moist areas you are dependent upon crops.
Slide 16
U.S production Corn and soybean:
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ffhm45jfm/1
2-surprising-products-that-contain-corn/
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ffhm45jfm/1
2-surprising-products-that-contain-corn/ Ethanol is a corn
biproduct which is required by many states to be used in
gasoline.
Slide 17
South American Production: Brazil In South America, some
ethanol is made from corn, but the majority is made from sugarcane.
Brazil is one of the largest producer of ethanol and is sold to
MDCs
Slide 18
Eastern Europe: Ag. Production Wheat is a major product used to
produce food for the large population. Bread is a staple. Food
production is highly regulated by the E.U leading to nearly half of
the products sold in supermarkets as organic.
Slide 19
Africa: Ag. Production Sorghum or millet High calorie As part
of the developing world parts of Africa have employed Western
Universities to assist in increasing yield of millet to help feed
their growing population.
Slide 20
Asia: Ag. Production Rice Staple in diet Green Revolution had
greatest impact in Asia. Produced in wet climate regions and is
traded and sold on a global market. Planned economy of China
dictates what is grownremember noodle line?