Conventional vs Organic Farming and Agricultural Fundamentals

A set of flashcards covering agricultural classification, Thuringia agricultural statistics, conventional versus organic farming practices, and historical changes in farm mechanisation.

What is the main objective of agricultural activity?

To produce plant and animal products, secure food supply, and supply raw materials for the economy.

What are the three main branches of agriculture described in the notes?

Arable farming, livestock farming, and speciality crops.

Which four environmental and geographical conditions determine if a region has favourable agricultural conditions?

Soil, climate, relief, and location.

How many agricultural companies are located in Thuringia?

There are over $3,500$ agricultural companies in Thuringia.

What percentage of the total value of all produced goods in Thuringia does primary production represent?

Primary production accounts for $1.5\%$ of the total value of all produced goods in Thuringia.

Which products are classified under arable farming in the notes?

The toast and the cookie/biscuit.

Which products are classified under livestock farming in the notes?

The sausage, the butter, the shoes, and the cheese.

What product is listed as an example of speciality crops?

The apple.

How are fattening pigs monitored in conventional livestock breeding?

They are monitored via an electronic chip in their ear, which assigns them the ideal amount and mixture of feed according to their age and weight.

What is the aim of conventional pig fattening regarding weight gain and timing?

To ensure animals gain weight quickly and are ready for slaughter after a short period.

What limits the total number of animals allowed on an organic farm?

The land area of the farm.

What are the core features of organic livestock breeding mentioned in the text?

Striving for species-appropriate animal husbandry focused on animal needs, providing sufficient outdoor access, and offering species-appropriate feed.

How did the farm workforce change from $1960$ to the present day?

In $1960$, many workers lived and worked on the farm and everyone helped in the fields; today, due to mechanisation, only a few workers live and work on the farm, allowing a single farmer to work the field alone.

How did potato harvesting and transport differ in $1960$ compared to today?

In $1960$, potatoes were pulled out of the ground by hand, collected in baskets, tipped into a wooden cart, and pulled by a horse. Today, a potato harvester digs the potatoes out of the ground and tips them into a trailer pulled by a tractor.

What were the prices given for roast beef per kilogram in a supermarket versus an organic shop?

$16.99$ in a supermarket versus $26.50$ in an organic shop.