Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a basic human need identified in the content?
In what way does agriculture primarily fulfill the need for food?
What is the primary focus of agronomy as a career?
How does the division of sectors within agriculture primarily benefit the industry?
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Which of the following sectors deals specifically with garden crops?
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What percentage of the workforce is employed in agriculture globally?
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Which of the following does NOT directly relate to agriculture based on the sectors identified?
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What is primarily produced in ornamental horticulture?
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Which segment of horticulture involves the cultivation of vegetables?
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What is aquaculture primarily concerned with?
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area of animal science?
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What significant act was passed in 1906 that marked a milestone in food safety?
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What was established by the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917?
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Which agreement aimed to reduce tariffs among member nations and was readopted in 1994?
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What major technological advancement in agriculture occurred between 1945 and 1970?
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What major agricultural innovation did the Morrill Act of 1862 bring about?
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How did Native Americans contribute to early American agriculture?
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Which agricultural practice did European settlers in America adopt from Native Americans?
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What was one effect of the Civil War on American agriculture?
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What was a significant impact of the Louisiana Purchase for American farmers?
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Study Notes
Animal Production
- Emu, Hilsa, Ostrich, and Bantam are notable animal species in agriculture.
- Meat consumption: Swine accounts for 36%, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) 33%, cattle (beef) 24%, and sheep/goats (lamb/mutton, chevon/goat) 5%.
Food Consumption Statistics
- World consumption of fruits includes:
- Tomatoes: 182 Million Metric Tons
- Bananas: 115.74 Million Metric Tons
- Watermelons: 103.97 Million Metric Tons
- Apples: 86.14 Million Metric Tons
- Grapes: 79.19 Million Metric Tons
- Oranges: 75.54 Million Metric Tons
- Vegetable consumption includes:
- Onions: 93.17 Million Metric Tons
- Cucumbers/Gherkins: 71.26 Million Metric Tons
- Cabbages & brassicas: 71.26 Million Metric Tons
- Eggplants/Aubergines: 51.29 Million Metric Tons
- Carrots & Turnips: 42.71 Million Metric Tons
- Chillies & Peppers: 34.50 Million Metric Tons
- Dairy products include milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.
Agriculture's Role in Daily Life
- Agriculture meets basic human needs: food, shelter, and clothing.
- Daily activities can often involve agriculture, influencing food procurement, shelter materials, and clothing fibers.
Shelter and Resources
- US Timber Industry: over $200 billion annually, with 823 million acres of forests and woodlands.
- Plastics: Divided into synthetic and biobased categories, with bioplastics making up less than 1% of the total plastic production annually.
Agricultural Mechanics
- Mechanics assist in maintaining and repairing farm machinery, ensuring high productivity.
- Machinery types include tractors, plows, harvesters, and trailers.
Forestry & Natural Resources
- Conservation focuses on protecting resources like air, water, and wildlife for future generations.
- Forests supply renewable resources for timber and energy.
Soil Science
- Study of soils helps improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability, enabling better crop yields on less land.
- Identifies optimal soil conditions for crops.
Agriscience & Biotechnology
- Agriscience applies scientific methods to enhance agriculture, improving efficiency and product quality.
- Biotechnology modifies organisms to benefit production and sustainability.
Agribusiness
- Non-farming segment of agriculture, employing ten times more people than traditional farming.
- Divided into supplies/services and marketing/processing.
Horticulture
- Includes ornamental horticulture (landscaping and floriculture), olericulture (vegetables), and pomology (fruits and nuts).
- Addresses plant cultivation for beauty and food.
Animal Science
- Focuses on domestic livestock production and includes aspects such as health, nutrition, and breeding.
Aquaculture
- Involves the controlled production of aquatic species, expanding beyond just seafood cultivation.
Historical context in agriculture encompasses the evolution of farming practices and technology, highlighting how ancient civilizations depended on agriculture for sustenance and economic stability, resulting in the domestication of plants and animals. The shift from nomadic to settled communities affected societal structures, trade, and population growth, influencing modern agricultural techniques and the role of agribusiness in sustainability.
- In the mid-1700s, 90% of Americans were farmers, with minimal technology.
- Early 1900s: Average farmer fed a family of five; today, less than 2% of Americans are involved in production agriculture.
- Advancement in agricultural practices has increased efficiency, enabling fewer farmers to produce enough food for many.
Key Agricultural Legislation and Events
- 1890: The First Federal Meat Inspection Act was a landmark legislation that aimed to ensure the sanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. This act authorized federal inspection of meat products before they could be sold in interstate commerce, addressing concerns about rising public health issues related to contaminated meat. It represented a crucial step towards establishing government oversight in food safety.
- 1906: The Food and Drug Act was a pivotal piece of legislation that significantly advanced food safety regulations. It prohibited the interstate commerce of misbranded and adulterated foods and drugs, which was crucial for protecting consumers. This Act led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which began to regulate a wide range of products, ensuring public health and safety.
- 1914: The establishment of agricultural education links through the Smith-Lever Act created a framework for cooperative extension services, aiming to disseminate knowledge and practical agricultural skills to farmers. This was pivotal in promoting agricultural education, leading to improved farming techniques and increasing agricultural productivity across the United States.
- 1945-1970: The technology revolution in agriculture encompassed significant advancements, including the introduction of new machinery, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques. These innovations contributed to drastically increased yields and efficiency on farms, fundamentally transforming agricultural practices and allowing for the support of a growing population.
- 1980s: The emergence of biotechnology in agriculture introduced groundbreaking techniques such as genetic modification. This allowed for the development of crops with enhanced traits like greater pest resistance and improved nutritional content. Biotechnology has since played a crucial role in addressing food security challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
- US agriculture excels due to diverse land resources, optimal climates, advanced transportation, a robust market economy, and continual technological innovations.### Early Agriculture Origins
- Mythologies across civilizations link agriculture to settled life, household arts, formal religion, and governance.
- Depictions often portray agriculture as a source of death, whereby gods demanded sacrifices for favorable conditions.
Before “Farming”
- Early humans engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering, adopting a nomadic lifestyle.
- Foraged for food by tracking animals and collecting local plant resources.
Settling Down
- Domestication of food animals allowed humans to create controlled environments for farming.
- Communities emerged with the construction of houses and fences, leading to a settled lifestyle.
- Native Americans pioneered crop agriculture, specifically planting their food.
- Domesticated products became currency, fostering early trade and economic practices.
Early American Agriculture
- Rice and corn were among the first domesticated plants; dogs were the first domesticated animals.
- Around 7500 BCE, Chinese farmers cultivated rice, while Native Americans began farming around 7000 BCE.
- Mesoamericans domesticated maize from grass about 5,000 years ago, which became widespread in North America by 1000 CE.
- Hawaiians practiced aquaculture over 1,000 years ago.
Native American Agriculture
- Clearing fields for maize, beans, squash, and other crops was common.
- Hunting and gathering supplemented their needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
- Utilized fire innovatively after natural wildfires promoted berry growth, showcasing trial and error in farming methods.
Crop Management Practices
- Employed crop rotation by moving to different fields when yields decreased, allowing soil to recover.
European Arrival
- Europeans found abandoned fields along the Eastern Seaboard, aiding initial agricultural efforts but often yielded poor results.
- Adopted agricultural practices from Native Americans, including the cultivation of maize, referred to as "corn" in Europe.
European Innovations in America
- Farmers began innovating with new tools and methods, striving for independence from European practices.
- German immigrants introduced effective crop rotation and the use of animal manure as fertilizer.
Stagnation and Technology Adoption
- For nearly a century, farming techniques remained unchanged, relying on basic, hand-held, animal-powered tools.
- Technology improvements began integrating nearly 100 years after initial European agricultural adoption in America.
Timeline of American Agriculture
- 5500 BCE: Mesopotamian farmers introduced simple irrigation systems.
- 1493: Columbus introduced livestock to the West Indies.
- 1539: DeSoto brought horses and hogs to Florida, marking species distribution in North America.
Agricultural Development Continues
- 1607: Native Americans guided colonists in crop cultivation, focusing on corn, pumpkins, squash, and beans.
- 1760s: 90% of the population engaged in farming; agrarian principles advocated by Thomas Jefferson emphasized rural self-sufficiency.
Technology Milestones
- 1793: Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, significantly increasing cotton processing efficiency.
- 1803: The Louisiana Purchase doubled US size and opened the New Orleans port resource.
Educational and Research Initiatives
- 1862: The Morrill Act established land-grant colleges to educate on agriculture advancements.
- 1862: USDA was formed to support agricultural science and development.
- 1887: The Hatch Act funded agricultural experiment stations linked to colleges for further research.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of agriculture, including its definition and its role in daily life. Participants will discuss the contributions of farmers and how agriculture meets basic human needs. It's a vital topic for anyone interested in understanding the importance of agriculture in society.
