Census of Agriculture and USDA Role

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main purposes of evaluating historical agricultural trends?

To formulate farm and rural policies (correct)

To improve urban farming techniques

To monitor pest populations

To increase land ownership among rural families

What is required by law regarding the Census of Agriculture?

It is optional for the Secretary of Agriculture

It is conducted every fifth year (correct)

It includes only the contiguous United States

It must be conducted every year

What is the total inventory of cattle, including calves, in Texas as of January 2022?

1,090,000

12,700,000 (correct)

2,930,000

4,475,000

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Census of Agriculture?

Future technological innovations Signup and view all the answers

Which crop ranks highest in value of production in Texas?

Cotton Signup and view all the answers

How many farm operations are there in Texas according to the 2021 overview?

247,000 Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a farm according to the census definition?

Any place earning $1,000 or more from agricultural products Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is important for agribusinesses locating near production areas?

Geographic data on production Signup and view all the answers

How much milk is produced per head in Texas?

25,079 lbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the total acres operated by farms in Texas?

126,000,000 acres Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of modern technology usage in agriculture?

Implementation of conservation practices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is ranked 10th in value of production among Texas crops?

Watermelons Signup and view all the answers

What is one major concern that agricultural producers must plan for?

Emergency outbreaks of diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the inventory of hogs in Texas as of December 2021?

1,090,000 Signup and view all the answers

What do funds allocated for farm programs typically NOT support?

Consumer sales training programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops is ranked immediately after pecans in Texas?

Spinach Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the oldest known origins of corn cultivation?

Central Mexico Signup and view all the answers

What is the wild ancestor of corn known as?

Teosinte Signup and view all the answers

Which type of corn has a multi-colored appearance with red, yellow, and brown kernels?

Calico corn Signup and view all the answers

Which two continents did maize spread to after being cultivated in Mexico?

North and South America Signup and view all the answers

What role does hay play in the diet of grazing animals?

It is the foundation of their diet. Signup and view all the answers

Which state is the leading producer of hay in the United States?

Texas Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary food source for native people in North and South America before European contacts?

Corn Signup and view all the answers

How many years ago did Indian people start migrating north with corn?

1000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that naturally raised beef may be considered different from conventionally raised beef?

Naturally raised beef has not received antibiotics or growth-promoting hormones. Signup and view all the answers

How much water does a dairy cow typically drink in a day?

50 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What is the average milk production of a dairy cow in pounds annually?

21,000 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What historical event is suggested to have influenced home delivery of milk?

World War II Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding cattle feed consumption?

Dairy cows consume around 90 pounds of food daily on average. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of cups of milk needed to produce 1 pound of butter?

39 cups Signup and view all the answers

What was the greatest amount of milk produced by a single cow in one year?

59,298 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the average amount of milk consumed per American annually?

25 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes small family farms whose operators report a primary occupation other than farming?

They comprise 12 percent of farms whose operators are not in the labor force Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gross Cash Farm Income (GCFI) range for midsize family farms?

$350,000 to $999,999 Signup and view all the answers

Which category of family farms generates more than $1,000,000 in GCFI?

Large-scale family farms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of farm does NOT have operators and related persons owning a majority of the business?

Nonfamily farms Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)?

Providing leadership on food and agriculture Signup and view all the answers

How many agencies and offices comprise the U.S. Department of Agriculture?

29 agencies and offices Signup and view all the answers

Which farm category has a GCFI of $5,000,000 or more?

Very large family farms Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) serve within the USDA?

It is the focal point for farmers and ranchers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of the Census of Agriculture

The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years to gather information about American agriculture
The goal of the Census is to inform policies and allocate funding for agricultural programs
The Census tracks income and costs of production, demographics of producers, and historical agricultural trends
The Census also gathers information on assets needed to support agricultural production, uncommon crops and livestock, and new agricultural technologies
It provides data on production locations to help agribusiness locate near production areas
The Census also helps plan for emergencies such as droughts, disease outbreaks, and pest infestations
It analyzes the state of food, fuel, and fiber production in the United States, and forecasts energy needs for agricultural producers and their communities

The Role of the USDA in Food Production and Conservation

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary agency responsible for food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues.
The USDA consists of 29 agencies and offices, with nearly 100,000 employees serving across the country and abroad.
The USDA's Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) division is a focal point for farmers and ranchers, stewards of private agricultural lands, and non-industrial private forest lands.

Texas Agriculture Overview

Texas is the leading producer of hay in the USA.
Texas is home to a significant number of livestock operations, including cattle, goats, and sheep.
Texas also boasts a thriving poultry and dairy industries.
The value of cotton, hay, and corn crops in Texas are the highest among crops grown in the state.

The Dairy Industry in the United States

Dairy cows produce an average of 6.3 gallons of milk every day.
Dairy cows consume about 100 pounds of food and 50 gallons of water each day.
Milk production in the United States totals approximately 21 billion gallons annually.
The average American consumes about 25 gallons of milk annually.
The milk industry continues to develop new dairy products, with over 1,000 new products introduced every year.

Corn as a Food Source

Corn, also known as maize, is a human invention that did not exist naturally in the wild.
Corn was first cultivated in central Mexico at least 7,000 years ago from a wild grass called teosinte.
Corn spread throughout North and South America by various indigenous peoples.
Corn is a major food source for many individuals and is a valuable ingredient in many food products.

Hay Production in Texas

Texas is the leading producer of hay in the United States, followed by Missouri, Nebraska, Montana, and Kansas.
Hay is a fundamental part of the diet of all grazing animals and can provide up to 100% of their necessary food source.

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Description

Explore the significance of the Census of Agriculture conducted every five years. Understand how it helps shape agricultural policies, informs funding allocation, and supports the USDA's efforts in food production and conservation. This quiz highlights key aspects of agricultural trends, demographics, and emergency planning.