Ever wonder why it is so important to promote and teach agriculture to students? Here are 5 quick facts all about agriculture to help to clear up this question:
1. Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world
In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States reports that “there is a largely untapped reservoir of farm and non-farm employment opportunities in agriculture and beyond.” Examples include jobs in sustainable ag, agri-business development and related support services.
Looking for ways to get your students interested in agriculture careers? Download our free agriculture career exploration curriculum and explore careers within horticulture, plant science, veterinary science and more!
2. There are 914 million acres of farmland just in the U.S.
Interestingly, AgHires reports that American agriculture is the most efficient and productive system in the world (despite having only 2% of the population working in the industry). This efficiency gives the United States the ability to be the world’s largest exporter of food and fiber.
3. The average U.S. farmer can feed 155 people
In comparison, a farmer in 1960 fed just 26 people. Farm Flavor reports that farmers today grow twice as much food as his parents did, with less land, energy, water and fewer emissions.
4. Beef farming accounts for 29% of American farms
Did you know that Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable overall and among the world’s safest?
5. In 2015, $133.1 billion worth of American ag products were exported around the world
According to the USDA, the leading U.S. ag exports are grains/feeds, soybeans, livestock products, and horticultural products.
Resources for continued learning
Consider these resources:
- Learn more about the current state of ag by downloading this free infographic
- Discover how the National Association of Agriculture Educators celebrates National Teach Ag Day
- Explore all of our hands-on training tools for agriculture education (including animal science, plant science, hydroponics and more) here
- See what’s new engaging today’s students in agriculture content areas here
That was pretty helpful bc I am doing a research project about agriculture and that really helped a lot …Thank You!
I´m doing a 5 – 8 minute speech. And, these helped me. Thank you!!!
Wonderful! That’s great to hear. You’re very welcome, Sarah! đŸ™‚
I’m doing a poster for my horticultural class and these facts were really helpful thank you!
-Cici
Very good facts for FFA week!
I’m doing the fall speech for FFA and this helps my speech
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