Agriculture

Large ranches in Texas have seen significant changes over the years due to various factors, including economic pressures, urban development, and shifting land use priorities. Many have been subdivided into smaller parcels for residential or commercial development, driven by population growth and the demand for housing. Additionally, rising property taxes and operational costs have made it challenging for some ranchers to maintain their land, leading to a decline in traditional ranching practices. Consequently, while some large ranches remain, the landscape of Texas ranching is increasingly fragmented.

The purpose of agriculture to farmers is to:

Produce food for themselves and the population.

Earn income by selling crops and livestock.

Provide employment for their families and communities.

Support livelihood and economic stability.

The main types of agriculture are:

Subsistence agriculture – Farming for the farmer’s own use and family consumption.

Commercial agriculture – Farming to sell products for profit.

Intensive agriculture – High input of labor and resources on small land areas to increase yield.

Extensive agriculture – Large land areas with lower input and lower yield per unit.

Mixed agriculture – Combination of crop production and livestock farming.

Plantation agriculture – Large-scale farming of a single crop (like tea, coffee, rubber).

Shifting agriculture – Land is cultivated for a short time and then left to recover while farmers move to a new area.

Agriculture in Southeast Asia is limited by monsoon dependence, frequent floods and droughts, soil erosion, limited modern technology, and land fragmentation. for more: nsda.gov.bd/pages/files/6922d9ed933eb65569e011c7

Diminishing returns occur when increasing one input, such as labor, while keeping other inputs constant (like land) leads to smaller increases in output. In contrast, decreasing returns to scale refer to a situation where increasing all inputs by a certain proportion results in a less than proportional increase in output. It is possible to experience diminishing returns for a single input because the fixed input (land) eventually becomes a limiting factor, while decreasing returns to scale involves all inputs being scaled together, affecting overall production efficiency. Thus, diminishing returns reflect limitations in the use of one resource, while decreasing returns to scale illustrate broader inefficiencies across multiple resources.

Soil Degradation

Continuous use reduces soil fertility and kills beneficial microorganisms.

Water Pollution

Runoff contaminates rivers, lakes, and groundwater, harming aquatic life.

For more nsda.gov.bd/pages/static-pages/6922e099933eb65569e27c1e

An agro-based industry is an industry that uses agricultural raw materials as its main input to produce finished or semi-finished goods.

These industries depend directly on products from farming, livestock, forestry, or fisheries.

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The paddock system of farming involves dividing land into smaller, enclosed areas, or paddocks, where livestock are rotated for grazing. This method allows for better management of pasture health, as animals are prevented from overgrazing a single area and can benefit from fresh grass in different paddocks. Additionally, it helps in soil conservation, promotes biodiversity, and can improve overall farm productivity. By systematically rotating livestock, farmers can enhance nutrient cycling and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Four major products produced by logging include lumber, which is used for construction and furniture; plywood, made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together for strength; paper, derived from wood pulp for various writing and packaging needs; and biomass, which can be used for energy production or as raw material for biofuels. These products play crucial roles in industries ranging from housing and furniture manufacturing to paper production and renewable energy.

A lever system of irrigation is a method that utilizes a mechanical lever to lift and direct water for agricultural purposes. This system typically involves a pivot point, allowing the user to raise and lower a water source, such as a bucket or trough, efficiently. It is often used in areas where water is not readily available at the surface, enabling farmers to access groundwater or distribute water across fields. Lever systems can enhance water management and improve crop yields by providing a controlled irrigation method.

Genetically modified (GM) plants are engineered to enhance crop yields by introducing traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved nutrient efficiency. These modifications reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, allowing crops to thrive with less competition from weeds and pests. Additionally, GM plants can be designed to withstand environmental stresses like drought or salinity, further boosting productivity. Overall, these innovations lead to higher yields and more reliable food production.

Farmers began forming cooperatives in the 1800s primarily to address economic challenges and improve their bargaining power against larger businesses and monopolies. By pooling resources, they could reduce costs for purchasing supplies, obtain better prices for their products, and share knowledge and best practices. Cooperatives also provided a support network, allowing farmers to collectively navigate market fluctuations and access credit more easily. This collective approach aimed to enhance their economic stability and ensure fair treatment in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape.

To obtain a farmer's license, you typically need to apply through your state or local agricultural department. This process may involve providing proof of agricultural activity, completing any necessary training or education programs, and paying a fee. Additional requirements can vary by location, so it's essential to check specific regulations in your area. Some regions may also require inspections or adherence to environmental guidelines.

The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) provides critical insight into the Great Depression by illustrating the government's efforts to stabilize the agricultural sector, which was severely impacted by falling prices and overproduction. Established in 1933 as part of the New Deal, the AAA aimed to raise crop prices by reducing supply through production quotas and paying farmers to leave land fallow. This intervention highlights the economic challenges faced by rural America and the federal government's response to mitigate widespread poverty and unemployment in the agricultural sector. The AAA's strategies also reflect broader themes of economic recovery and the shift towards a more active governmental role in managing the economy during times of crisis.

Farmers producing crops for international trade are dependent on several key factors, including global market demand, trade policies, and agricultural practices. They must navigate fluctuating prices influenced by international supply and demand dynamics, as well as tariffs and trade agreements that can affect their access to foreign markets. Additionally, they rely on favorable climate conditions and sustainable farming techniques to ensure high-quality yields that meet international standards. Access to efficient logistics and transportation networks is also crucial for timely delivery to global markets.

Blanket fertiliser application offers several advantages, including uniform nutrient distribution across the field, which enhances crop growth and yield consistency. It simplifies the fertilisation process, saving time and labor costs by reducing the need for precise application methods. Additionally, it can improve soil fertility over larger areas, promoting overall health and productivity of the agricultural land. However, careful management is essential to avoid over-fertilisation and potential environmental impacts.

The agency that aimed to help farmers sell their crops and stabilize farm prices was the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA). Established during the New Deal era in the 1930s, the AAA sought to raise crop prices by reducing production through various measures, including paying farmers to limit their output. This initiative was part of a broader effort to address the economic struggles faced by farmers during the Great Depression.

An artisan shopkeeper is a small business owner who crafts and sells handmade goods, often emphasizing quality, creativity, and traditional techniques. This can include products like pottery, textiles, or food items. Similarly, the owner of a small farm typically engages in sustainable agriculture, growing crops or raising animals to provide fresh produce or goods to the local community. Both roles emphasize a personal connection to their craft and a commitment to local economies.

Machinery in crop husbandry plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity. It facilitates various farming operations such as plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting, which can significantly reduce labor time and increase precision. Additionally, machinery helps in the effective application of fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring better crop management and yield. Overall, it enables farmers to optimize their resources and improve the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Fertilizers used by farmers often contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. When it rains or through irrigation, excess fertilizer can wash off the land and enter nearby rivers, lakes, or groundwater. This runoff can lead to nutrient pollution, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, this contamination can affect drinking water supplies and disrupt local wildlife.

The production of surplus crops by the Maya enabled them to support larger populations, which facilitated the growth of cities and complex societies. This agricultural surplus allowed for specialization of labor, as not everyone needed to be involved in food production, leading to advancements in art, science, and governance. Additionally, surplus crops contributed to trade networks, enhancing economic stability and cultural exchange within and beyond Maya civilization. Overall, surplus production was a foundational element in the Maya's societal development and cultural achievements.

The development of herding animals and the cultivation of crops occurred during the Neolithic Revolution, around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. This period marked a significant transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, primarily in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. The domestication of animals and the planting of crops allowed for more stable food sources, leading to population growth and the establishment of permanent settlements.

Factors that do not contribute to high yield crops in Europe include limited access to modern agricultural technology and practices, unfavorable climate conditions in certain regions, and soil degradation. Additionally, insufficient investment in agricultural research and development can hinder crop improvement. Pests and diseases, alongside restrictive agricultural policies, can also negatively impact overall crop yields.

The development of farming around 10,000 years ago led to significant societal changes, including the establishment of permanent settlements as people began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals. This shift enabled population growth and the rise of complex societies, with specialized roles and the development of trade. Additionally, it fostered advancements in technology, such as tools for planting and harvesting, and contributed to the emergence of social hierarchies and governance structures. Ultimately, agriculture laid the foundation for modern civilization.

A cost of using technology to transport water is that freshwater supplies can be depleted. As water is diverted from natural sources for irrigation and urban development, ecosystems may suffer, leading to reduced biodiversity and the potential for water scarcity. This over-reliance on technological solutions can create unsustainable practices that ultimately threaten long-term water availability.