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Below are some interesting facts about agriculture today. These points just scratch the surface of the advancements being made in agriculture on a daily basis. All Americans are asked to enjoy and admire the wonders of American agriculture as National Agriculture Day is celebrated on March 21. Please visit www.lvea.org to see events happening around the Lahontan Valley all week.
General statistics:
- Today’s average farm is 417 acres compared to 147 acres in 1900.
- Today’s farmer feeds about 129 people in the United States and abroad. In 1960 that number was 25.8.
- 42 percent of U.S. total land area is farmland.
- U.S. Farmers account for 42.7 percent of the world’s soybean production and 34.4 percent of the world’s corn production.
- Almost 90 percent of U.S. farms are operated by individuals or family corporations.
- More than 15 percent of the U.S. population is employed in farm or farm-related jobs.
- U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India.
- Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife.
Production Improvements:
- U.S. Farmers and ranchers produce meat that is lower in fat and cholesterol. The result is beef cuts that have 27 percent less fat than in 1985.
- Biotechnology has resulted in better tasting fruits and vegetables that stay fresh longer and are naturally resistant to insects.
- Plant breeding has resulted in crops better able to handle the environmental affects of drought and disease and insect infestations resulting in higher yields at harvest and lower costs to the consumer.
Technology/Equipment Advancements:
- Today’s average farm is 417 acres compared to 147 acres in 1900.
- Today’s farmer feeds about 129 people in the United States and abroad. In 1960 that number was 25.8.
- 42 percent of U.S. total land area is farmland.
- U.S. Farmers account for 42.7 percent of the world’s soybean production and 34.4 percent of the world’s corn production.
- Almost 90 percent of U.S. farms are operated by individuals or family corporations.
- More than 15 percent of the U.S. population is employed in farm or farm-related jobs.
- U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India.
- Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife.
New Uses
- Ethanol accounts for the largest industrial use of any commodity crop.
- Resins from corn and soybeans are used in production of, for example, John Deere equipment panels.
- Some crops are being bred specifically for use in pharmaceutical production.
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