Lesson 1.1 - Agriculture's Impact on Society

Vocabulary and key statistics regarding the impact of agriculture on society, including land use, economic contributions, and production sectors.

Agriculture

The art and science of cultivating plants, animals and other life forms for use by humans to sustain life.

USDA Women Farmers Statistics

According to the USDA, women account for $30\%$ of farmers.

8 Sectors of Agriculture

Agribusiness, agriscience, agricultural communications, agricultural processing, agricultural support services, agricultural systems, natural resource management, and production agriculture.

Global Agriculture Trade Value

Agriculture accounts for approximately $10\%$ of trade worldwide, with estimated sales of $7.2$ trillion each year.

US Agriculture GDP Contribution

American agriculture, food, and related industries contribute $1.05$ trillion to the gross domestic product annually.

Gross domestic product (GDP)

The total value of goods produced and services provided by a country during one year.

US Agriculture Export Percentage

Approximately $20\%$ ($140$ billion) of American agriculture production is exported to other countries annually.

US Global Food Provision (Corn, Soybeans, Beef)

On a global scale, US farmers provide $30\%$ of the world's corn, $29\%$ of soybeans, and $20\%$ of beef.

Arable land

The term used to describe land that is suitable for growing crops.

Land Use: Cropland

Refers to $18\%$ of land ($408$ million acres) used for agricultural purposes.

Land Use: Grassland pasture and rangeland

Refers to $27\%$ of land ($614$ million acres) used for agricultural purposes.

Land Use: Forest land

Refers to $30\%$ of land ($671$ million acres) used for agricultural purposes.

US Agricultural Export Rate

Approximately $6$ million dollars of US agricultural products are contracted for export every hour.

Family-owned US Farms

Approximately $97\%$ of farms in the United States are family-owned and operated.

Production Agriculturalist Feeding Capacity (2020)

In the year $2020$, one production agriculturalist was responsible for feeding $166$ people.

Employment: Food service sector

This agricultural sector accounts for $65\%$ of employment.

Employment: Production agriculture sector

This agricultural sector accounts for $166$ of employment.

Commodity

A raw material that can be bought and sold.

Rayon

A non-synthetic manufactured fiber made mainly from wood pulp.

Producers

Those actively involved in raising raw agricultural products.

Consumers

Those who purchase and use agricultural products.

7 Steps from Producer to Consumer

Producer, Harvester, Processing, Packaging, Wholesaler, Retailer, and Consumer.

Food (Commodity)

All materials and substances used for human consumption.

Fiber (Commodity)

A product with long, thin components, often used to create woven or composite materials.

Natural Resources

Materials and substances that occur in nature, such as minerals, wood, water, and wildlife.

Growing (Producer)

Responsible for making management decisions related to which crops are planted, which animals are crossed, and timing for both crop and livestock production.

American Average Food Spending

On average, an American spends $6.8\%$ of their income in a week on food.

STEM

An acronym standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Unit Conversion: Granule of Sugar to Milligrams

One granule of sugar is equal to $0.2\,mg$.