Information Age  2001 - present

What's On America's Table?

"Americans Pay the Least for Food." Food and Farm Facts. American Farm Bureau Federation. 2009-2017.

Hungry Planet: What the World Eats

Peter Menzel, a California photographer,  and  writer Faith D'Aluisio traveled to 24 countries to interview and photograph families to discover what they ate, as well as the weekly cost of their food. Analyze the photos and the information provided in the link below (access the slideshow). Pay special attention to the types of food eaten, the number of people in each family, and the weekly grocery bill.

What the World Eats

"Global Grocery Bags." Project Food, Land, and People. 2003.

Exports 2000-2017

From 2000-2009, the average annual value of agricultural exports totaled $71.6 billion/year or 4% of total exports.

From 2010-2017, the average annual value of agricultural exports totaled $140 billion/year.

https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2017/may/us-agricultural-trade-in-2016-major-commodities-and-trends/

2016-2017 Agricultural Exports

According to the Farm Bureau, "About 25 Percent of all U.S. agricultural products by value are exported yearly, including:

• 148.5 million tons of corn, coarse grains, distillers grains, soybeans, soybean meal and feed & fodder
• 3.6 million tons of poultry meats
• 3.0 million tons of fresh fruit."

The Farm Bureau explains, "In 2016, $135.5 Billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the globe. The top five customers (in italics) accounted for 61 percent of all exports. China and Canada are the United State's largest trading partners. Together, they account for 31 percent of all U. S. agricultural exports."

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. (2017). Trade & economics. Food and Farm Facts, p. 14-15.

Where does your dollar go?

Off-Farm Expenses include packaging, transportation, energy, etc.  Farm Income refers to what farmers and ranchers actually receive from every retail dollar.

"Where Does Your Food Dollar Go?" Food and Farm Facts. American Farm Bureau Federation. 2009-2017.

Stats for a Hungry Planet

Population and productivity continued to grow in the new century. A few videos captured the trends, growing demand for food, and the productivity of farmers. These videos also highlight challenges ahead—populations increasing while farmland staying the same.

View the linked videos before answering  the questions.

A World Without Farmers - One Hungry Planet (2010)

Growing Today For Tomorrow (2013)

U.S. Drought Monitor

The US Drought Monitor map is a weekly report of climatic, hydrologic, and soil conditions, along with impacts and conditions shared by over 350 contributors.

Access the US Drought Monitor and review the map. 

Biomass Energy

Biomass is organic plant and animal waste that can be used as a source of energy. Taking a relatively small amount of time to produce, rather than million of years for the formation of fossil fuels, biomass is a renewable energy source, the only renewable energy source that can be turned in liquid biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel fuel. 

To learn more about biomass and its uses, use the National Geographic link below.

Biomass Energy

Farmer's Market

"Direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Farmers markets, now an integral part in the urban/farm linkage, have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. The number of farmers markets in the United States has grown dramatically, increasing 79 percent from 1994 to 2002. According to the 2002 National Farmers Market Directory, there are over 3,100 farmers markets operating in the United States. This growth clearly indicates that farmers markets are meeting the needs of a growing number of farmers with small- to medium-size operations."

"Farmers Market Facts," Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture [online].

Roots of Farmers' Markets

The history of farmers' markets dates back to 1730 in Lancaster, PA, when city planners designed Lancaster Central Market, a 120-square-foot plot in the middle of the city. Farmers' Markets were popular among people from all walks of life. For example, in July 1806, President Thomas Jefferson traveled to a local Georgetown market for fresh vegetables, beef, and eggs. He was used to fresh produce that came from his Monticello farm in Charlottesville, VA, so a farmers' market was valuable to him. He even documented vegetables that were sold in the Washington, DC area, a total of thirty-seven different varieties. 

In the first decades of the 20th Century, local markets were commonplace. However, with the advancements in transportation, refrigeration, and improved roads, supermarkets were built, which soon replaced the popularity of farmers' markets. In the 1970s, a green revolution took root once again, particularly in New York City and California, which led to the concern of where food came from and how it was grown, along with a desire to protect farmland and improve conservation practices. 

Jablow, Valerie and Horne, Bill. "Farmers' Markets." Smithsonian Magazine. June 1999. Web. 31 July 2018. Neal, Arthur. "Meet Me at the Market." USDA. 7 Aug. 2013. Web. 31 July 2018.

Global Food Safety Initiative - GFSI

In the 1990s, the food industry experienced some major crisis in outbreaks of listeria (bacterium), mad cow disease (BSE), and dioxins (highly toxic pollutants). Without a consistent method of ensuring food safety on a global scale, The Consumer Goods Forum (GCF), an international trade group, decided to take action, which led to the creation of the Global Food Safety Initiative in May 2000. GFSI is a non-profit organization whose goal is "once certified, always recognized". 

Global Food Safety Initiative

Exploring the First 50 Sequenced Plant Genomes

While the first plant to have its genome sequenced was a member of the mustard family in the year 2000, the rate of decoding plant genomes has been rapidly increasing since then. From the following link, read more about genome sequencing and the first 50 plant genomes that have been sequenced.

Crop Science

Fisher, Madeline. "Exploring the first 50 sequenced plant genomes." Crop Science Society of America. 2018. Web. 16 August 2018.

Why Clone?

Based on the Genetic Science Learning Center from the University of Utah, there are many reasons for cloning in animals and medicine. 

Dolly the Sheep, the most well-known animal cloned from an adult cell, lived for only six years, half that of the life span of a normal sheep. Of thirteen cloned sheep, none, including those that have been from the same cell line as Dolly, experienced any long-term health effects from cloning.

Consider the information presented on the website below and answer the related questions.

Why Clone?

Everything But the Oink

Based on 2016 statistics, the US exported 2.31 million metric tons of pork products worldwide? Because of its low fat, the protein in pork is considered lean by USDA standards, and it provides potassium without high levels of sodium.  Pigs not only provide meat, such as ham and bacon, they provide consumers with a wide range of products. See the list of by-products below:

• fatty acids and glycerin (chalk, crayons, industrial lubricant, anti-freeze, matches, plastics, cement, linoleum, putty, pharmeceuticals)
• gelatin (cosmetics, chewing gum)
• bones and bone meal (buttons, bone china, fertilizer, porcelain enamel, glass and water filters)
• organs (violin strings, pet food, insulin)
• hair (brushes, insulation, upholstery)
• blood (glue and adhesives, leather treating agents, fabric printing and dying)

"Everything But the Oink." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

Pork Timeline

Review the Pork Timeline to learn more about the history of pigs.

• 4900 BC - Pigs were domesticated in China.
• 1500 BC - Pigs were being raised in Europe.
• 1493 - Columbus took eight pigs on his voyage to Cuba.
• 1539 - Hernando de Soto, known as the "Father of the American Pork Industry", brought America's first thirteen pigs to Tampa Bay, Florida. By the time he died, thirteen years later, the herd grew to over 700.
• 1600 - Hernan Cortes introduced pigs to Mexico.
• 1607 - Sir Walter Raleigh brought sows (female pigs) to Jamestown Colony.
• 1660 - The pig population in Pennsylvania Colony was in the thousands. By the end of the 1600s, the typical farmer owned four to five pigs, providing him with salt pork, ham, and bacon.
• 1700s - Pioneers began heading west with pig-filled wooden crates that hung from the axles of their wagons.
• 1800s - Pigs were first commercially slaughtered in Cincinnati, Ohio, which became known as "Porkopolis". 
• 1812 - "Uncle" Sam Wilson, a New York pork packer, shipped several hundred barrels of pork to US troops. Each barrel, stamped "US" on the docks, was said to have been provided by "Uncle Sam". His name became synonymous with the United States.
• 1850s - Between 40,000 to 70,000 pigs were herded along trails from Ohio to eastern markets. A herd of pigs could travel 5-8 miles per day and cover up to 700 miles.
• 1887 - The first refrigerated railroad car, cooled by ice and salt, was introduced by Swift & Company. Meat could now be shipped instead of live pigs.
• 1903 - Hog Cholera Serum was created to combat the disease which would kills pigs within fifteen days.
• 1930s - Pig insulin was first used to treat diabetes.
• 1971 - The first pig heart valve was used to replace a human heart valve.
• 1987 - The pork industry launched the "Pork - The Other White Meat" campaign.

"Pork Timeline." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

What the Organic Label Means

Foods that are organically certified are grown and processed according to specific federal guidelines, which include quality of the soil, insect and weed control, animal raising practices, and additive use.  Produce that is labeled organic comes from soil that has had no use of forbidden synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for a period of three years before harvesting. With regard to meat, an organic label would require that the animal be raised in a natural-type habitat, be fed organic foods, and be free from antibiotic or hormone additives. In labeling packaged foods, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are generally prohibited.

McEvoy, Miles. "Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means." USDA. 22 March 2012. Web. 31 July 2018.

Y2K Scare

The Y2K scare was a phenomenon that had people in fear that on December 31, 1999, computers would shut down, which led to the spending of millions of dollars by government and private sectors to prevent the problem. Prior to the year 2000, computer programmers had used a two-digit code to represent the year, rather than the standard four-digits. People were concerned that once a computer hit the year "00", it would fail. Transport systems, particularly the airlines, were concerned that flight times would be inaccurate. Banking systems, which heavily rely on computer software, worried that the calculation of daily interest rates might fail. This caused a decline in stock prices for banks. Government institutions, hospitals, and other businesses were impacted, as well.

The solution was to create new software programs that included a four-digit code to represent each year, along with amending the algorithm that was used to calculate leap years.

View the National Geographic video clip on Y2K.

Chepkemoi, Joyce. "What Was the Y2K Scare?" World Atlas. 1 August 2017. Web. 9 August 2018.

September 11, 2001

On September 11, 2001, terrorist hijackers flew airplanes into the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City, NY, killing 2,606 people. The Pentagon was attacked, as well, leaving 125 Pentagon workers dead. Another plane destined for Washington, DC, was diverted by passengers who overpowered the hijackers, and crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA. A total of 2,996 people perished in the attacks, wounding an additional 6,000.

Financed by al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, the terrorists retaliated due to US support for Israel, continued presence in the Middle East, and involvement in the Persian Gulf War. View the History Channel video clip on 9/11 and read through the information provided on the following website. 

9/11 Attacks

What is the WTO?

The World Trade Organization (WTO), created in 1995, is the only international organization that governs the rules of trade. It grew from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which began after WWII in 1948. The WTO is responsible for solving trade disputes between nations and help trade move as smoothly as possible. Principles of the WTO include lowering trade barriers, such as bans and tariffs, discouraging unfair practices, help developing nations transition to market economies, work to protecting the environment, and not discriminate between trading partners or various products.

What is the WTO?

Wearable Technology for Livestock

Not only are high-tech collars now available for tracking livestock, there are many other options provided to farmers. The idea is that "precision farming", a technology-based approach to agriculture, should be more efficient, as well as save time and money. Based on 2016 figures, livestock tracking devices were a $1 billion industry, with estimates of increasing to $2.5 billion by the year 2025. While expense is certainly a major consideration, farmers need to decide whether the benefits of technology are worth the cost. 

From the website below, review the five devices available to farmers to help them track and monitor their livestock.

Modern Farmer

Barth, Brian. "Luddites, Beware: These 5 Livestock Wearables Are the Future." Modern Farmer. 28 January 2016. Web. 16 August 2018.

Everything But the Moo

Based on 2016 statistics, did you know that each person consumes approximately 62 pounds of beef annually? Beef consumption is not just about eating steak and hamburger, but using their by-products (industrial, health, and household products), as well. The following is a partial list of beef by-products that consumers use on a daily basis:

• fats (hand soap, dish soap, insecticides, shaving cream, paint)
• bones (bandage strips, toothbrushes, dice, shampoo and conditioner, combs)
• hides (leather footwear, luggage, sports balls, ointment base)
• intestines (guitar strings, tennis racket strings)

"Everything But the Moo Beef By-Products." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

Beef Timeline

The most popular brand of beef cattle in the United States is black Angus, well-known for their high-quality meat. Beef contains essential nutrients, including iron, protein, zinc, B-6, B-12, Omega-3s, selenium, and niacin. Beef has been an important part of the human diet for generations. See the brief timeline below for more information on cattle.

• 6500 BC - Cattle were first domesticated.
• 1493 - Columbus took cattle to Hispaniola on his second voyage to the New World.
• 1529 - The town council of Mexico City created a cattleman's association to prevent theft and preserve the monopoly they had on cattle. Mesta was the first known livestock association in the Americas.
• 1611 - The English were the first to bring large numbers of cattle to the US in the colony of Jamestown.
• 1865 - Union Stockyards, "The Yards," was the meat packing district in Chicago until 1971, processing more meat than any other place in the world.
• 1880 - Mechanical refrigeration began making a large impact on the beef and cattle industry.
• 1884 - The National Cattle Growers Association of America was formed, the first known attempt to form an organization for cattle producers.
• 1890 - The first federal Meat Inspection Act became effective, which provided for the inspection of salted pork and bacon used for exporting. The following year, a law was created that authorized inspection for sheep, cattle, and pigs that were used for interstate commerce.
• 1906 - The Meat Inspection Act, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, ensured that livestock was slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions.
• 1911 - The first motor truck delivery of livestock was in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• 1946 - The detachable "Gooseneck Trailer" was invented by Austin Talbert for transporting livestock more efficiently.
• 1973 - The first price freeze, imposed by President Richard Nixon, led to a "drought" in the market. When the freeze was lifted, there was then a "flood" of beef in the market. Exported grain to the Soviet Union caused an increase in costs to feed cattle, leaving a $200 or more loss per head of cattle. This was known as "The Wreck of 1973".
• 1979 - The Meat Import Act was passed, meaning that as US meat production increased, imports would decrease, and vice versa.

"Beef Timeline." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

History of the Peanut and Peanut Butter

Have you ever wondered where the peanut came from? Peanuts originated in South America, Peru or Brazil, based on the findings of artifacts in the shape of peanuts and decorated with the peanut design.  Additionally, the Incans placed peanuts in tombs with mummies to help them in the afterlife, and tribes in Brazil ground peanuts with maize to create a drink for celebrations.

It wasn't until the 1800s that peanuts were grown commerically in the US. They were first grown in Virginia and mainly used as food for livestock or the poor. Peanuts became more popular after the Civil War when northern troops took them home. In the late 1800s, PT Barnum's circus sold hot peanuts, making the high protein food grow in popularity. The 1900s growth in industrialization made the peanut easier to plant and harvest. With Dr. George Washington Carver's suggestions for growing peanuts, the peanut became a significant agricultural crop in the South.  

In 1904, peanut butter was first introduced at the World's Fair in St. Louis, MO, by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the inventor of corn flakes as a breakfast cereal. Peanut butter became popular during WWI and WWII as an important protein food for American troops.

History of the Peanut and Peanut Butter

Nut Allergies

Thus far, no one knows what causes a food allergy, although genetic and environmental factors seem to be contributors. Statistically, one of 90 people in the US suffer from peanut allergies, between 0.6-1.0%, with an estimate of 20% of peanut allergies that can be outgrown. Peanut allergies are less common in Asia and Africa, where peanuts are staple foods. 

Theories to the cause of peanut sensitivities are Vitamin D deficiencies, increased sun exposure, and the use of antacid medications. Other theories rely on the "Hygiene Hypothesis", which states that immunizations and a more sanitary environment creates weaker immune systems, causing increased risks of allergies.

In an attempt to combat peanut allergies, researchers have studied the use of a probiotic made of soybeans and lactic acid bacteria, which has reduced the severity and incidence of anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction to an antigen). Oral immuno-therapy (OIT), where peanut protein has been administered in small quantities over time to desensitize the individual, has shown promise. Alternatives, such as the discovery of the new peanut, are continually being studied and reviewed.

"Nut Allergy." The Peanut Institute. 2013. Web. 12 July 2018.

The WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program was initially created as a pilot program in 1972 to provide food, education on nutrition, and access to health services for low-income women, infants, and children up to the age of five. The federal program became permanent in 1974 and is operated by the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, emphasizing its role as a nutrition program.

Congress allocates a specific amount funds each year for WIC, making it a grant, rather than entitlement, program. Based on 2015 statistics, WIC is operated through all 50 state health departments, 34 Native American Tribal Organizations, as well as Washington, DC, and 5 US territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana). 

In 1974, 88,000 people received WIC benefits. In 1980, 1.9 million; in 1985, 3.1 million; in 1990, 4.5 million; in 2000, 7.2 million; and by 2016, 7.7 milion. Children have always been the largest group to receve WIC benefits. In 2017, of the 7.3 million people who participated in the program, 3.76 million were children, 1.79 million were infants, and 1.74 million were women.

Food and Nutrition Services. "Women, Infants and Children (WIC)". USDA. 14 February 2018. Web. 12 July 2018.

Explore Google Earth

Google Earth is an excellent tool for studying geography and land use, exploring climate, cities, landscapes, and buildings. Take some time to explore Google Earth and learn more about our world, using the link below.

Google Earth

Irrigation Water Use

Types of water used for irrigation are classified into groundwater and surface water. Groundwater is located underground in cracks in the soil, sand, and rock, and comes from rain, melting snow, and ice, stored in aquifers, wells, and streams. Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground, found in lakes, streams, and rivers. 

Based on 2015 statistics, surface water was the chief source of irrigation in the West, except for the states of Texas, California, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, and South Dakota, where groundwater was mostly used.

Study the Irrigation 2015 Map on the following website: Irrigation Water Use

The Story of Cotton

Cotton is the most widely used fiber in the world. Encased in a protective covering, or boll, with an average of 27-45 seeds, cotton is classified as a fruit. Its fine, hair-like fibers are single cells, the longest cells of a plant (domestically-grown cotton). In today's world, individual fibers are twisted around each other with the aid of technology in order to create thread for cloth.

Explore the following website to better understand the history and significance of cotton.

The Story of Cotton

Cotton Genes

Yes, cotton comes from a plant, but what else do you know about this cash crop? What do the fibers look like under a microscope? Did you know that your jeans have genes? Find out more by exploring the following website.

What is Cotton

The Buzz About Bees

Honeybees are essential to agriculture. Crops such as apples, berries, and almonds, as well as three-fourths of all flowering plants, require pollination in order to be productive. It is estimated that one-third of our food comes from honeybee pollination. In addition, honeybees in the US are worth approximately $15 billion annually, and are responsible for 80% of the bee pollination. 

Learn more in this Ted Talk:  "Why We Need Bees" 

What is Colony Collapse Disorder?

Colony Collapse Disorder was first reported during the winter of 2006-2007 when beekeepers began seeing high losses in their adult honeybee colonies. The bees would leave the hives, almost all at the same time. The queen was often discovered in the hives with the immature bees, and sufficient food supplies, but without many attending bees. Read about the causes and effects of the Colony Collapse Disorder in the following link.

Colony Collapse Disorder

An Analysis of the Global Food Crisis

In a study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute in 2010, major factors of the global food crisis of 2007-08 included: increased demand for biofuels, which drove up the price of corn and soybeans; higher oil prices; poor weather that decreased wheat production in Ukraine, Australia, and Argentina; bans on various exports and panic buying, especially for rice exports which experienced global price increases from $350 to $1,000; and the falling value of the US dollar.

When food prices increase, the poor are impacted the most, leaving them to spend the majority of their disposable income on staple grains, and less on fruits, vegetables, and non-food items, which has a significant impact on nutrition.

"Factbox: 2008 food price crisis -- what caused it?" Reuters. 9 June 2011. Web. 31 July 2018.

What's in the 2008 Farm Bill?

The Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 was $288 billion five-year agricultural policy that was a continuation of the 2002 Farm Bill. Specifically, the bill increased food assistance benefits (SNAP), increased funding for cellulosic ethanol (ethanol produced from cellulose, the stringy fiber of the plant, rather than the fruit or seeds), and support for pest and disease research, along with other agricultural problems.

The 2008 farm bill also included the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), a strategy to decrease US dependence on foreign oil, reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy security in the US, and invest in the products made in rural areas of the nation.

"H.R. 2419 110th Congress: Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008". 2007. www.GovTrack.us.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

In 2008, The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act changed Food Stamps to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), whose goal was to put healthy food within reach of those without adequate means. SNAP, the largest food safety net in the US, reflected a national focus on nutrition.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (n.d.). USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Changes in USDA Programs and Policies

In February 2009, Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, launched The People's Garden initiative on the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, who created the Department in 1862. He referred to it as "The People's Department." The purpose of The People's Garden was to help USDA employees create community gardens and encourage sustainable practices that benefit the environment. As of 2017, over 1,200 People's Gardens were in existence, providing educational resources and giving people the opportunity to grow their own food.

In the fall of 2009, Tom Vilsack announced the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative to help individuals understand where their food comes from and how it gets to their plates. Using existing programs to support the development of local and regional food systems, the initiative's goal is to provide new income opportunities for local growers, increase sustainable agricultural practices, decrease the energy used to transport foods, and keep heathy options available to local consumers. 

To view Secretary Vilsack's announcement, play this clip: Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Launch.

In 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama, along with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, unveiled the new food guide for a healthy diet known as MyPlate. Replacing the MyPyramid, the nutrition plate provides a visual display of an individual's plate sectioned into four parts: grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables, with half of the plate being fruits and veggies. A separate circle represents dairy products. 

To read Michelle Obama's remarks on the MyPlate announcement, go to the following website: Remarks by the First Lady at Food Icon Announcement. To explore the MyPlate initiative please visit--MyPlate.gov

2009 American Recovery and Investment Act

Signed by President Barack Obama, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the "Recovery Act" or "The Stimulus", was a $787 billion economic stimulus package to help end the Recession of 2008. The main objective of the Act was to create emergency relief by saving and creating jobs. In addition, the package was to invest in infrastructure, education, health services, renewable energy, expansion of unemployment benefits, and federal tax incentives. 

Congressional Research Service. "H.R. 1 (111th): American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009". www.govtrack.us. 2009. Web. 26 July 2018.

2011 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 4, 2011. The FSMA provided the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authorities to regulate the way food is produced (grown/harvested) and processed. The law granted the FDA the power to conduct mandatory recalls and issue guidance documents to reduce incidents of foodborne illnesses. This bill was considered the first major piece of federal legislation addressing food safety since 1938.

FDA.gov

2012 Federal Public Transportation Act

The Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 (also called the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) was passed and provided funding for increased ridership of buses, subways, commuter trains, and ferry boats. In addition, the Act focused on improved safety and established a State of Good Repair program to help public transportation systems address growing maintenance needs.

2012 Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act

The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S. 3240) represented the most significant reforms in agricultural policy in decades. The bill ended direct payments, streamlined and consolidates programs, and reduced the deficit by $23 billion. It also strengthened top priorities that continue to help farmers, ranchers, and small business owners grow our economy.

The Agricultural Act of 2014

The Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law by President Obama on February 7, 2014 and remains in effect until 2018, with some policies extending beyond that timeframe. According to the USDA, “The 2014 Farm Act makes major changes in commodity programs, adds new crop insurance options, streamlines conservation programs, modifies some provisions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and expands programs for specialty crops, organic farmers, bioenergy, rural development, and beginning farmers and ranchers.”

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2018). Agricultural Act of 2014: Highlights and implications.

Everything But the Cluck

Chicken is the number one protein consumed in the United States. Domesticated in Egypt around 3000 BC, more than 300 breeds of chickens exist today, but only a few are used for meat production. Wild turkeys, on the other hand, have roamed North and South America for millions of years, but the domesticated ones are those that primarily end up on our dinner tables. The $5.18 billion poultry industry created or supported as many as 18,776 jobs in 2016, providing an average annual salary of $68,604.

Poultry is not just used for meat, however. There are several by-products purchased and used frequently by consumers. 

• Eggs are used in vaccines, plants, animal feed, and shampoo & conditioners.
• Feathers are used to stuff pillows, insulate clothing, and made into biodegradable plant pots.

"Everything But the Cluck Poultry By-Products." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

Poultry Timeline

Review the timeline below to learn more about the history of chickens and turkeys.

• 3000 BC - Egyptians domesticated fowl that were laying eggs for eating.
• 1498 - According to William Rubel, the first turkeys arrived in Spain.
• 1500s - DNA researchers suggest that the first introduction of chickens came to Haiti and Florida, based on archaeological chicken bones.
• 1540s - Turkeys were established in England; by 1570s, they were raised throughout the nation.
• 1620 - The early English settlers of the 1620s brought domesticated turkeys with them, even though wild turkeys were readily available.
• 1849 - USDA launched a voluntary program for grading poultry products to assure consumers of high quality.
• 1953 - Swanson invented the TV dinner packaged with turkey and other goods, selling over 10 million meals by the end of the year.
• 1959 - Federal inspection of broilers (specially bred meat chicken) became mandatory.
• 1980 - McDonald's Chicken McNugget was introduced to the public.
• 1985 - Chicken consumption surpassed pork consumption.
• 1992 - Chicken consumption surpassed beef consumption in the US.

"Poultry Timeline." Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. 2016. Poster.

2010 Energy Security Plan

President Barack Obama announced initiatives to boost advanced biofuel production, which included five research centers, the installation of 10k fuel pumps with access to ethanol fuel blends, the increase of biofuel use in USDA's fleet, and  the resumption of USDA's Biomass Crop Assistance program. 

Vilsack, Tom."Boosting Advanced Biofuel Production and Creating Jobs." USDA. 2010. Web. 26 July 2018.

2011 White House Rural Council

By Executive Order, President Barack Obama announced the creation of a White House Rural Council to help rural communities meet economic challenges. President Obama said, "Strong rural communities are key to a stronger America." Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the Council coordinated programs across government to help strengthen rural communities. Specific goals included: the increase of broadband across America, improved access to quality healthcare, expansion of agricultural markets, the increased production of biofuels, and the improvement of job opportunities and training for people in rural areas.

Office of the Press Secretary. "Obama Administration Establishes White House Rural Council to Strengthen Rural Communities." The White House. 9 June 2011. Web. 26 July 2018.

World Hunger

The goal of the World Food Programme (WFP), founded in 1961, is to deliver food assistance to those in emergency situations and ensure that everyone in the world has access to good nutrition, not just food. WFP estimates that 815 million people, one out of nine, still do not have enough to eat, even though they assist over 80 million people in 80 countries each year. Beyond that, one in three suffer from malnutrition today.

Analyze the world map found in the link below.

Hunger Map 2017

2012 First Self-Driving Tractor

Created by Terry Anderson, founder of the Autonomous Tractor Corporation, the first self-driving, autonomous tractor was unveiled at the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo, North Dakota. Anderson came out of retirement to design an automated tractor after hearing complaints from farmers about labor issues, increased tractor prices, and design problems. The 25,000-pound tractor, named The Spirit, is able to travel in a straight line, turn corners, prepare the soil for planting, destroy weeds, and cut hay.

2016 The Use of Drones in Agriculture is on the Rise

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones, are not a new technology, but they are playing a bigger role in agriculture than in the past due to less regulation and more investments in the technology. There are two major reasons why drones will lend themselves to agriculture.

The first is the growing population which is projected to be at 9 billion people by 2050, this means that agricultural consumption could increase nearly 70% within this same time frame. The second challenge that could be remedied by the use of drones is extreme weather events which create obstacles to productivity. Great strides in the integration of drones into agriculture could be made with the collaboration of stakeholders including governments, technology leaders, and industry. 

The MIT Technology Review lists six uses for agricultural drones including:

1. Soil and field analysis
2. Planting
3. Crop spraying
4. Crop monitoring
5. Irrigation
6. Health assessment

Looking to the future, drones may be sent out in fleets or swarms in order to monitor tasks collectively and/or hybrid aerial-ground drones could collect data and perform other tasks. Several issues continue to impact the progress surrounding the use of drones, as well as, integration into all industries. Some of these on-going issues include safety of drone operations, privacy issues, and insurance-coverage questions. One of the biggest issues when looking to the use of drones in agriculture is the type and quality of data received from the technology. In order to address this, the industry is pushing for more sensors and cameras. Other considerations in the integration of drones into agriculture include using drones that require minimal training and highly automated technology.

Mazur, M. (2016). Six ways drones are revolutionizing agriculture. MIT Technology Review.

2018 Renewable Fuels

Renewable fuels are assisting many rural communities economically. Looking to the field of biofuels, Agricultural Research Services (ARS) in Lincoln, NE developed a new perennial switchgrass called ‘Liberty’ that thrives in the Upper Midwest and provides 530 gallons of bioethanol per acre as compared to 567 gallons per-acre from corn grain that has to be grown on higher quality food-cropping land. According to the ARS, “This new ARS-developed switchgrass can grow on marginal lands where other crops can’t necessarily grow. It is also high yielding, meaning that it will generate more revenue for both farmers and the bio-refineries they supply. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuels are already derived each year from switchgrass, and the new variety should enhance the crop’s economic value.”

Agricultural Research Services. (2018). Making the unusable profitable. Scientific Discoveries: The Impact of Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Research-Fiscal Year 2017, p. 15.

Precision Agriculture

According to the American Farm Bureau, “GPS-based mapping, auto-steer guidance systems and variable-rate technology for applying crop inputs such as pesticides and fertilizer are used by farmers to increase yields, lower costs and reduce chemical use, which benefits the environment. Technology also helps farmers identify precisely where (and how many) seeds to plant.”

American Farm Bureau. (2017). Production. Food and Farm Facts, p. 28.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious disease that occurs in wild and domestic animals, particularly those with cloven hooves. There are seven distinct types of the virus, with over sixty subtypes. The disease causes lesions, fluid-filled blisters, between the toes, heels, lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Lesions on the hooves, or feet, can prevent animals from walking, and those in the mouth can keep animals from eating or drinking.

There is often much confusion about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), also known as Hoof-and-Mouth Disease, and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). FMD affects animals, such as pigs, cattle, and sheep, and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease affects humans. The diseases are not related, and they come from different viruses. Read more about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease from the CDC website.

For additional information about the disease, review the information on the following websites.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

GMO Potatoes

Approved in 2014, the first GMO potatoes became available commercially for farmers to grow. These potatoes are non-browning, have reduced bruising and black spot, are blight resistant, and contain low acrylamide levels. Late blight continues to be a major problem for potato growers around the world, particularly in wet climates, and was responsible for the potato famine in Ireland in the mid-1840s.

GMO Apples

The first GMO apple, named the "Arctic Apple" became commercially available in 2017. This non-browning apple produces no polyphenol oxidase (PPO), a plant enzyme that creates a chemical reaction that browns the fruit when cut, bruised, or bitten. A modified Golden Delicious apple, the Arctic Apple was genetically engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, from British Columbia, Canada, through a process called RNA Interference, or gene slicing. By adding an extra strand of RNA, the gene is basically shut down, preventing the browning process.

To see current GMO crops that are currently available, use the link below.

Current GMO Crops

Gerlock, Grant. "Why The Arctic Apple Means You May Be Seeing More GMOs At The Store." NPR. 1 February 2017. Web. 27 July 2018.

Are They Safe? The On-Going Debate Surrounding Genetically Modified Foods

There is an on-going debate around the world about the safety of genetically modified food that has been going on for decades. Several pros and cons of this debate can be found within Scientific American website article The Truth about Genetically Modified Food, written by David H. Freedman, published on September 1, 2013. This article lays out both the pros and cons of the debate as well as things to think about moving forward. Issues included in the article surround production, distribution, and consumption of genetically modified food.

Freedman, D. H. (2013). The truth about genetically modified food. Scientific American.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

On July 29, 2016 President Trump signed into law the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (Public Law No. 114-216). This law establishes a national law that food or ingredients that have been “bioengineered” must be disclosed. The result of this law means that the USDA will create requirements for human foods that have been derived from biotechnology.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2018). Labeling of foods derived from genetically engineered plants.

The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018

The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 was a bipartisan bill singed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2018. According to the Republican Policy Committee, “H.R. 2 amends and extends major programs for income support, food and nutrition, land conservation, trade promotion, rural development, research, forestry, horticulture, and other miscellaneous programs administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for five years through 2023. The bill is budget neutral and $111 billion below baseline funding.”

Republican Policy Committee. (2019). H.R. 2(115th): Agriculture Improvement act of 2018.

2017-2019 Trade and Tariffs

In 2017, the United States traded $140 billion worth of goods with China the majority of those being agricultural goods including farm and ranch products. Exports to China in 2017 were $19.6 billion resulting in China being the second-largest export market for U.S. farmers and ranchers. In retaliation for tariffs imposed on aluminum and steel in September of 2018, China imposed large tariffs on 90% of U.S. agricultural exports. These retaliatory tariffs will result in China moving from the second-largest trading partner in 2017 to the fifth-largest trading partner in 2019. 

In addition to China, other countries have imposed retaliatory tariffs on the United States including the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China have resulted in a $12 billion USDA federal assistance program resembling Depression Era policy. This federal assistance gives farmers in need direct payment assistance. The government will buy goods from farmers including fruit, nuts, and rice to be distributed at food pantries. One major impact of the tariffs is that the USDA is forecasting a 12-year low in farmer income.

American Farm Bureau Federation. (2018). Farm Bureau details trade, tariff impacts on agriculture. Honig, E. (Writer). (2018). Trump attempts to blunt tariff impact on U.S. farmers. [Morning Edition]. National Public Radio.

2018 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

In 2018, President Trump renegotiated and reconceptualized the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that first took effect on January 1, 1994. This new agreement with Canada and Mexico is known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This new trade agreement will take effect in 2020 and will be reviewed by all parties every six years. To learn more about USMCA please watch Six Big Changes NAFTA’s replacement, the USMCA, makes.

For more information on USMCA please see the various fact sheets found through the Office of the United Staes Trade Representative--United States-Mexico-Canda Agreement

Elker, J. (Producer). (2018). Six Big Changes NAFTAs replacement, the USMCA, makes. [Video].

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

According to the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, “The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Every person involved in the food system—growers, food processors, distributors, retailers, consumers, and waste managers—can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system.”

Sustainable agricultural practices include:

• Promoting soil health
• Minimize water use
• Lower pollution levels on the farm

Consumers and retailers may consider:

• “Value-based” foods which entails products that have been grown using farmworker wellbeing 
• Products that are environmentally friendly
• Products that strengthen the local economy

Topics to explore in sustainable agriculture include:

• Addressing food insecurity
• Agritourism
• Agroforestry
• Biofuels
• Conservation tillage
• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
• Cooperatives
• Cover Crops
• Dairy Waste Management
• Direct Marketing
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation
• Food and Agricultural Employment
• Food Labeling/Certifications
• Food Waste Management
• Genetically Modified Crops
• Global Sustainable Sourcing of Commodities
• Institutional Sustainable Food Procurement
• Biologically Integrated Farming Systems
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Nutrition & Food Systems Education
• Organic Farming
• Precision Agriculture (SSM)
• Soil Nutrient Management
• Sustainable Postharvest Management Practices
• Technological Innovation in Agriculture
• Urban Agriculture 
• Value-Based Supply Chains
• Water use Efficiency
• Water Quality Management
• Zero-Emissions Freight Transport

What is sustainable agriculture. (n.d.). Agricultural Sustainability Institute.

2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development

The United Nations’ focus with the Sustainable Development Goals includes goals to address poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. 

The 17 goals include—

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 14: Life Below Water
• Goal 15: Life On Land
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Using the Sustainable Development Goals website explore the 17 goals and learn more about what this plan entails.

United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals.

Irrigation

Water is a key resource that plays an important role in agriculture across the United States. In states and regions where there is little rainfall it is key that the use of water is managed to provide the crops what they need to thrive. In areas like California where rain falls variably from year to year solutions must be put in place to ensure crops flourish.

According to the Agricultural Research Services (ARS), “ARS scientists have saved millions of gallons of water on farms in California and in other dry States by developing an automated irrigation scheduling system that targets water to where and when it is needed most. The technology monitors soil and crop conditions and records rainfall levels so that it can time irrigation with a sophisticated variable-rate center-pivot irrigation system. The technology is the first of its kind for center-pivot irrigation systems, which are used on more than 50 percent of the Nation’s irrigated croplands.”

Agricultural Research Services. (2018). Saving watera precious global resource. Scientific Discoveries: The Impact of Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Research-Fiscal Year 2017, p. 13.

Conservation and Protecting Natural Resources

Farmers have taken conservation seriously throughout the years and their efforts have made a difference. There has been a 44% decline in soil erosion from wind and water since 1982. Due to provisions in the farm bill funding is provided to farmers and ranchers for conservation efforts preventing soil erosion, preserving and restoring wetlands, cleaning the air and water, and enhancing wildlife. In addition to soil and water conservation, the practice of crop rotation also plays a role in caring for the land, as well as, contour farming where farmers plant crops across slopes for purposes of water conservation and protecting the soil.

According to the American Farm Bureau, “No-till or conservation tillage—a way of farming that reduces erosion (soil loss) while using less energy—is used on more than twice as many cropland acres compared to conventional tillage. Advanced conservation practices are used on more the 50 percent of cropland acres.”

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. (2017). Environment. Food and Farm Facts, pp. 20-21.

What about the Food that Never Leaves the Farm?

It is calculated that U.S. food waste equates to 40% of food not including on-farm food loss. When researchers look at the food that never leaves the farm there is a story to be told. Fruits and vegetables that are planted and never harvested have an impact on loss of water, chemical inputs, and labor, as well as, loss of nutrient dense, recoverable food. It is important for both farmers and policy makers to focus on this food that never leaves the farm when making decisions. While the priority of farmers is to sell USDA No. 1 products, one should ask, what should happen to the “ugly produce” (fruit and/or vegetables that are misshapen, dented, or damaged in some way) or the produce that does not meet these standards? 

There are several markets for farmers to consider when deciding whether or not to harvest the “ugly produce.” These markets include programs at grocery stores, subscription box home delivery programs, and food banks. You can read about these markets in the following excerpt—

“As noted above, alternative markets for products not meeting USDA grading specifications do exist in some locations. We account for these possible markets with four alternative scenarios: Scenario 1 reflects the case where marketable and edible categories of product are offered for sale in “ugly produce” markets such as produce-box programs or retail, which pay farmers 50% of the value of USDA No. 1 grade products. Scenario 2 reflects the case of selling the marketable and edible recovered produce to a food bank at $0.07/lb. These sales prices reflect those received by farms in the study region. Scenario 3 reflects the case where marketable product is sold at 100% of the value of USDA No. 1 grade products, while the edible portion of the harvest is sorted and sold to “ugly produce” channels at 50% of this value. Scenario 4 reflects the case where marketable product is sold at 100% of the value of USDA No. 1 grade products, while the edible portion of the harvest is sold to a food bank at $0.07/lb. Inedible produce is assumed to have zero value and thus not included as a source of revenue in these scenarios.”

Dunning, R. D., Johnson, L. K., & Boys, K. A. (2019). Putting dollars to waste: Estimating the value of on-farm food lose. Choices, Quarter 1.

Questions About Climate Change

What have you learned about global climate change?

What questions do you have regarding global climate change? NASA has created a “Frequently Asked Question” (FAQs) page where people have submitted their questions and answers have been provided. 

NASA: Global Climate Change

NASA: Global Climate Change. (2019). NASA. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov

Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

Agriculture greatly impacts the U.S. economy. Crops, livestock, and seafood contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year and when factoring in food-service and other agricultural industries the impact is even greater at $750 billion to the gross domestic product according to 2016 data. Overall, the climate has a big impact on agriculture. Both increases in temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase certain crop yields, but only if nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions are met. Impacts of climate change including droughts and floods can also pose challenges to farmers, ranchers, and food safety.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Overall, climate change could make it more difficult to grow crops, raise animals, and catch fish in the same ways and same places as we have done in the past. The effects of climate change also need to be considered along with other evolving factors that affect agricultural production, such as changes in farming practices and technology.”

Looking at the impacts and effects of climate change, the EPA has detailed the impact on several sectors of the agricultural industry including impacts on crops, livestock, fisheries, and the international impacts of climate change. Exploring these detailed explanations can help you to better understand both the short and long term impact climate change can have on agriculture.

Environmental Protection Agency: Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply. (2016). United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The Green New Deal: What's in the Resolution

According to the congressional documents, The Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal, H.Res. 109 states,  “This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of 

• achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; 
• establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; 
• investing in infrastructure and industry; 
• securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and 
• promoting justice and equality. 

The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including

• building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); 
• upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; 
• removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; 
• cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites;
• ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and
• providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.”

Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal, H.Res.109, 116th Cong. (2019).

How the Green New Deal will Affect Farmers

According to MSNBC there are several ways that the Green New Deal will impact famers in the United States. See the issues that are discussed in the following news clip--How the Green New Deal will affect farmers. 

Ruhle, S., Velshi, A., & Hillyard, V. [Reporters]. (2019, February 20). How the Green New Deal will affect farmers. MSNBC.

The Seven Strategic Goals of the USDA

According to the USDA, the seven strategic goals for 2018-2022 set forth by the USDA include:

1. Ensure USDA programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and a focus on customer service.
2. Maximize the ability of American agricultural producers to prosper by feeding and clothing the world.
3. Promote American agricultural products and exports.
4. Facilitate rural prosperity and economic development.
5. Strengthen the stewardship of private lands through technology and research.
6. Foster productive and sustainable use of our National Forest System Lands.
7. Provide all Americans access to a safe, nutritious and secure food supply.

Take a more in-depth look at each of the above goals and learn about the  objectives set forth by the USDA for each goal--USDA Strategic Goals.

USDA Strategic Goals. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Exploring Journey 2050

Journey 2050 provides resources and information on a plethora of topics including antibiotics and hormones, chemicals, food waste, GMO, health standards, pests and disease, population growth, and productive land. 

Using the resources and information from Journey 2050, explore the global impact that agriculture has on both people and the environment.

www.journey2050.com