In order to draw attention to the efficiency and productivity involved in farming and ranching, Oklahoma producers will celebrate National Agriculture Day March 20 during National Agriculture Week.
“Every American should understand where food comes from, how it’s produced and why agriculture is essential to our economy,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “National Agriculture Day allows us to highlight the importance of agriculture on a nationwide scale.”
From oxen and horses drawing equipment through a field to tractors with on-board computers and the power of up to 300 horses, American farmers have increased their production capacity to keep up with the ever expanding population. In fact, one farmer now supplies food for more than 130 people in the United States and abroad compared with just 25.8 people in 1960.
“Our farmers and ranchers feed the world,” said Kouplen. “With increased information and technology, we will meet the challenge of feeding an ever-growing population.”
The efficiency of American farmers pays off in the price American consumers pay for food as well. Research indicates that most Americans have to work about 40 days to generate enough income to pay for their food supply for a year. It takes nearly 129 days to generate enough money to pay federal, state and local taxes for the year. The ability to keep food costs down is greatly due to improved crop and livestock genetics through biotechnology and conventional breeding.
Biotechnology is a key factor in the efficiency of American farmers and their ability to provide more, higher quality food and livestock. Biotechnology provides benefits similar to traditional plant and livestock breeding, but does so in a more controlled environment and with faster results. Many consumers today enjoy tastier fruits and vegetables that keep fresh longer because of biotechnology and plant breeding.
Advancements made in plant biotechnology provide consumers with better quality products in many areas. And those benefits are just beginning. There are many products in the biotechnology research pipeline that will provide better livestock feed resulting in leaner meat that will help lower cholesterol for consumers.
Many of these same products will lessen the environmental impact of livestock production by reducing waste and/or the chemicals found in animal waste. This is done by producing feed products that are used more efficiently by the livestock.
Pharmaceutical companies are actively working with farmers to develop crops that can go directly from the field to pharmaceutical production – eliminating some of the processing steps that occur in today’s operations. This research will significantly reduce the costs required to produce many life-saving drugs.
With the increase in biotechnology and crops designated for specific uses, farmers must trace their crops and document production practices. New technology in equipment is helping farmers do just that, while keeping them efficient enough to focus on improved production techniques.
Today’s farmers understand the importance of improving the quality and quantity of food available to the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that there will be 7.5 billion people in the world by the year 2020 (it’s currently at 6.2 billion). It’s agriculture’s job to find a way to feed those people. Advancements in crop technology, equipment technology and information management will make that possible. American farmers and others involved in the agriculture industry have met and will continue to meet this challenge again and again.
“As we celebrate National Agriculture Day March 20, it is our hope that all Americans will learn more about agriculture and understand the vital role our industry plays in the lives of each and every one of us,” said Kouplen.
