A little ag fact history!

Did you know that in the 1800's, 90% of the population lived on farms and each farmer produced enough food for 3-5 people annually? In 1960, a farmer fed just 26 people annually but today, the average US farmer feeds 166 people annually! Wow!

Today, less than 2% of the US population is directly involved with food production, producing more food with less land than ever before. The majority of these farms (98%) are actually family owned and operated.

Technology and science have made these changes possible. Tractors and modern technology have revolutionized farming. Tractors became widely used in the early 1900's, replacing workhorses and oxes on the farm for toting heavy farm equipment around a field. Various seed varieties, crop rotation, introducing pollinator habitats, integrated pest management and conservation agriculture continue to improve a farmer's ability to produce more safe and affordable food for our growing population with less land, water, and resources!

This careful stewardship by America's food producers has led to a 34% decline in erosion of cropland by wind and water since 1982. Now that's a good reason to thank a farmer!