Unit 1: Introduction to Agriculture

Objectives1.1 Define terminology1.2 Determine the impact of agriculture on

Arkansas' economy. (rice, soybeans, broilers, forest products, and jobs)

1.3 List and describe the three major areas of the agricultural industry. (supplies & services, production agriculture, and marketing & processing)

1.4 Discuss changes that have come about in agriculture due to technology. (genetic engineering, GPS, and computerized equipment)

1.5 Explain the importance of agriculture in meeting human needs. (food, fiber and shelter)

1.1 Define Terms1. Agribusiness systems -- industries including

sales, services, farm & ranch management, entrepreneurship and economics

2. Agriculture -- activities concerned with the production of plants and animals and the related supplies, services, mechanics, products, processing and marketing

3. Animal systems -- industries including production animals, small animals, wildlife and research animals

4. Biotechnology systems -- the management of biological systems for the benefit of humans, including cloning, gene transfer and other technologies

5. Environmental service systems -- industries including pollution prevention, water and air quality, hazardous materials, solid waste management, health and safety sanitation

1.1 Define Terms6. Food products & processing systems --

industries including food processing, preserving, packaging, distribution, government monitoring and regulation

7. Natural resources systems -- industries including habitat conservation, forest products, parks and recreation, mining, environmental services, fisheries and soil conservation

8. Plant systems -- industries including agronomics, horticulture, forestry, turf, viticulture and soils

9. Power, structural & technical systems -- industries including power, structures, controls, geospatial technology, computer systems, electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics

1.2 Determine the impact of agriculture on Arkansas' economy. (rice, soybeans, broilers, forest products, and jobs)

Identify where Arkansas ranks in production for the following products:

Commodity PlaceRice 1st Soybeans 10th Broilers 2nd Forest Products 5th Cotton 3rd Turkeys 3rd Beef Cattle Not in Top 10Hogs Not in Top 10

Top 5 Agricultural Commodities produced by the United States

Commodity Value of receiptsthousand $

1.Corn 51,550,7482. Cattle and Calves

48,189,205

3. Dairy Products 34,772,7354. Soybeans 29,058,1115. Broilers 23,112,184

1.3 List and describe major areas ofthe agricultural industry1. Production

Agriculture Farmer or Cattle

Rancher

2. Supplies and Services

Veterinarian or Feed Company

3. Marketing and Processing

Wal-Mart or Country Mart

The Four P’s of Marketing Agricultural Products

PlaceProductPromotionPrice

1.4 Discuss changes that have come about in agriculture due to technology (genetic engineering, GPS, and computerized equipment)

Think about this….In the mid-1700s,

about 90 percent of Americans were farmers. Today, roughly 2 percent of the American population is engaged in production agriculture.

Discuss the changes that have came about in Agriculture due to technologyGenetic engineering is one aspect of

biotechnology. Some benefits of genetically engineered or modified organisms have improved disease and insect resistance, longer shelf lives, added nutritional value, and herbicide tolerance.

The purpose of a chemical fertilizer is to mimic nutrients found in plants by synthetically manufacturing them from inorganic substances.

Changes In AgricultureImproved varieties of corn were developed

through hybridization. These varieties were more vigorous growing and more resistant to pests and diseases.

Mechanization allowed for more work to be done in a smaller amount of time.

Changes In AgricultureIntegrated Pest Management or

Chemical pesticides (to control insects, diseases, and weeds) and chemical fertilizers increased yields.

Precision Farming using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and Geographic Information Systems enabled site-specific farming.

Changes In AgricultureSustainable agriculture is a way of raising

food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.

1.5 Explain the importance of agriculture in meeting human needs

Basic Human Needs Provided by AgricultureFood is provides the nutrition that helps the

body grow, repair itself, and reproduce. Fiber is a long, threadlike structure used

to make clothing and shelter. Fibers may be natural or synthetic.

Shelter is housing for humans. Many products used in providing shelter are produced through forestry.

Plant and Animal Products

Review1.1 Define terminology1.2 Determine the impact of agriculture on

Arkansas' economy. (rice, soybeans, broilers, forest products, and jobs)

1.3 List and describe the three major areas of the agricultural industry. (supplies & services, production agriculture, and marketing & processing)

1.4 Discuss changes that have come about in agriculture due to technology. (genetic engineering, GPS, and computerized equipment)

1.5 Explain the importance of agriculture in meeting human needs. (food, fiber and shelter)