1. American Agriculture in the 20 th and 21 st Century

2. Third Ag. Revolution: Green Revolution Biotechnology Genetic engineering: High Yield Seeds Winners: MDC’s/ 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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 LDC’s if you live in a more arid climate you are dependent on animals while in more moist areas you are dependent upon crops.

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.

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 MDC’s

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.

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.

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 grown…remember noodle line?