Modern Farms Feed the World

Today's farmer is often portrayed as a tractor driving expert, or a low skilled worker or a "factory farm" manager. Although there is some disagreement as to what a "factory farm" is the farmer of today is often not only skilled but with a college education.

There are over 3 million farmers or ranchers in the US and 99% of these are private farms. Theses include individuals, family farms or private corporations. Although some criticize corporations many are incorporated for tax benefits and legal protections but still operate as a family unit.

Over half of farmers according to the 2002 Census of Agriculture are over 55, with the average age 55.3.

In 1900 the average farm was 147 acres. Today's average farm is 441 as many farms reduced in number but increased in size. America's landscape is 41% farm land. Because not all farm land is suitable for growing crops many farmers use forages including grass to raise livestock.

USA farmers produce over 40% of the world's soybeans and corn as well as over 20% of the world's cotton and 13% of the wheat. One farmer feeds 144 people in the US and abroad with the food on the farm in addition to clothing and providing other needs. Agriculture is America's number one export. Over 200 raw commodities are produced by American farmers. One quarter of the world's beef and a fifth of the world's grain, milk and eggs is produced on US farms.

The demand for lean beef is changing agriculture by selection and feeding of animals to meet the demand for quality and quantity of food. Today's farmer relies on science, math and technology on an increasing basis.

Modern precision machines reduce seed waste and increases efficient planning. Computers select not only seed and fertilizer but crop protection based on local soil conditions by using satellite.

Similar technology can find a particular cow in the herd and automatically feed her a special ration based on her production. It can also provide special feed rations for pigs and automated supplements that are needed.

This efficiency is needed to feed the world. A cow can produce upwards of 40 pounds of milk that is milked in five minutes twice per day, sometimes three times per day depending on the farm. Combines harvest 100 bushels of corn in seven minutes.

While many activists demand locally grown the volume of growing things on farms is needed to feed and cloth millions around the world. The efficiency allows Americans to spend less on food than any other developed nation.

American farmers work hard to feed, clothe and provide for many more people. Today's farms are the key to providing for a hungry world.