Agricultural Systems Overview
Agricultural enterprises—crop or livestock—deal
with such concepts as labor supply, marketing, finances,
natural resources, genetic stock, nutrition, equipment, and
hazards. While it is possible to effectively manipulate each
mechanism of successful farming individually, better results
can often be obtained by treating the farming operation as
a system. The interactions, then, among system components
may become more important than how each component functions
by itself. Treating production operations holistically offers
greater management flexibility, provides for more environmentally
and economically sound practices, and creates safer and healthier
conditions for workers and for farm animals. CSREES staffers
conduct research, education, and extension activities in
programs related directly and indirectly to agricultural
systems.
For all of the
19th century and much of the 20th century, U.S. agriculture
was primarily based on maximizing production. As a result,
the nation became the breadbasket for the world, generating
large surpluses and even encouraging farmers to remove
some land from production. These production successes depressed
prices for many commodities and have kept them there. Prices
that producers receive for agricultural commodities have
not kept up with their increasing production costs. Subsequently,
narrow profit margins have driven smaller producers out
of agriculture and forced larger producers to become more
efficient in their operations—minimizing
expenses while maximizing production. Public interests have
further constrained farmers by an increasing demand for clean
air and water, healthy soils, humane animal treatment, and
minimal chemical applications.
Under this scenario, smaller producers and
producers of specialty products often struggle to succeed.
By taking a more entrepreneurial approach to producing and
marketing their goods, however, these producers can be successful.
Organic, horticultural, and other specialty crop producers
can take advantage of growing niche markets that allow them
to retain more crop value behind the farm gate. In many cases,
distribution chains are shortened greatly, which can increase
product quality, lower transportation costs, and create a
more resilient and secure food-supply chain. For the foreseeable
future, there is probably a need for both types of production
environments. In some cases, individual producers are incorporating
both into their overall agricultural enterprises.
Concerns about sustainability in agriculture
are central to most of the programs in this emphasis area.
While it is possible to maintain economic sustainability
for an agricultural activity through artificial means, this
approach may not be sustainable for the long term. Eventually,
environmental costs, regulations, and market changes will
make artificial supports untenable. On the other hand, an
agricultural activity that is designed to be environmentally
and ecologically sustainable can be made economically sustainable
through regulatory and market pressures and the application
of new technologies. These mechanisms are driving many of
the research, education, and extension activities of the
following CSREES programs:
Manure & Nutrient
Management:
Manure is a valuable, slow-release fertilizer that allows
farmers to recycle animal waste back into crop production.
When animal feeding operations are large and concentrated,
however, manure and nutrient management becomes much more
difficult. Odors, nitrogen gases, and pathogens accumulate
if the waste cannot be distributed to farm fields readily
and widely. This program addresses environmental issues associated
with manure management, as well as the many beneficial uses
of manure for plant nutrition and useful by-products.
Organic Agriculture:
Many consumers are taking greater interest in where their
food comes from and how it is grown, creating a demand
for agricultural products that adhere to certain “healthy” production
practices. Organic operations seek to lower production inputs
and costs, to apply environmentally sound practices (natural
manures, cultural pest management, and minimal soil disturbance),
and to maintain healthy agro-ecosystems. These farms tend
to be smaller, closer to the consumer (both geographically
and in the supply chain), and individually produce a variety
of products. Organic activities rely more on site-specific
information that ties in closely with new precision farming
technologies.
Precision Farming: Enabling
technologies are converging with agriculture and forestry
to provide the measurement, storage, analysis, and decisionmaking
needs of these industries. Techniques are being developed
to:
- Make precise measurements and continuously monitor field,
forest, or product conditions through sensors and controls.
- Organize large volumes of data with spatially referenced
databases.
- Analyze and interpret that information using decision
support systems that allow producers to make economically
favorable choices.
A readily available portfolio of such technologies
increases the nation's readiness, enabling us to effectively
confront current and future problems in our food and fiber
systems.
Small Farms: Agricultural
advancements, coupled with relatively low prices for farm
products, have encouraged many agricultural producers to
farm more acres and raise more animals. However, the presence
of smaller farms helps to enhance the quality of life in
rural communities by preserving open green space, providing
locally produced fresh produce, sustaining local businesses,
and creating opportunities for rural youth. By supporting
education programs and access to services, technical assistance,
and other resources, this program increases the viability
of the small-farming culture.
Sustainable Agriculture: Rural
community vitality and prosperity are closely tied to agricultural
sustainability. Not only do rural residents benefit financially
from agricultural enterprises, but they also enjoy living
amidst the physical and social environments they create.
Consequently, maintaining these latter amenities is critical
to the financial success and well-being of communities.
Workforce
Development & Safety:
While the agricultural workforce has shrunk over time, it
still represents a large segment of the rural population
and provides substantial human capital to agricultural industries.
This program helps to maintain workforce value by supporting
farm owners and their families and farm workers in keeping
their skills current and their workplace safe. Because agriculture
records injuries and fatalities at a pace second only to
mining, worker safety education is critical. Many injured
workers eventually return to their agricultural jobs, so
this program also supports training and technologies to help
those dealing with reduced physical capabilities.
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