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Agriculture in MDC’s. AP Human Geography. Overview. Subsistence agriculture is most common in LDC’s. Many farmers, little surplus MDC’s rely on commercial agriculture. F actory farming Few farms, large food surpluses Commercial agriculture can be broken into 6 categories.
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Agriculture in MDC’s AP Human Geography
Overview • Subsistence agriculture is most common in LDC’s. • Many farmers, little surplus • MDC’s rely on commercial agriculture. • Factory farming • Few farms, large food surpluses • Commercial agriculture can be broken into 6 categories. • Mixed Crop and Livestock • Dairy Farming • Grain Farming • Livestock Ranching • Mediterranean • Commercial Gardening and Fruit
Mixed Crop and Livestock • Both crops (grains) and livestock are raised. • Crops, however, are fed to livestock and not intended for human consumption. • Most land is devoted to crops but profit$ come from animals. • Most common in the U.S. w/ corn. • Crop rotation used to maximize yield and maintain fertile soil.
Dairy Farming • Mainly milk, but also butter, cheese, yogurt. • Farms are located closer to “market” because items are more perishable. • Milkshed- the area around an area to which milk can be delivered w/o spoilage. • Originally 30 miles, now up to 300 miles. • Why? • Challenges • Labor Intensive • Year round commitment (winter feeding)
Grain Farming • Seed from “grasses” • Wheat, corn, oats, barley, rice, millet • Grown for human consumption • U.S. and Canada account for ½ of World’s wheat exports “Breadbasket” • Machines that make wheat farming easier include McCormick reaper and combine.
Farm Technology McCormick Reaper Modern Reaper
Combine • Combines • Reaping • Threshing • Winnowing
Livestock Ranching • Done in areas where soil is too poor to produce crops. • Texas, Oklahoma in the U.S. • Primarily beef cattle, also pigs • Historically Texas to Chicago to the East Coast. • Also common in Australia and Argentina.
Mediterranean • Southern Europe, N. Africa, California • West Coasts • Hot, dry summers, moderate winters, moist air • Fruits, vegetables, flowers • Olives, grapes are most important
Commercial Gardening and Fruit • U.S. Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, California • Truck farmers • Some sold directly to consumers, most to processors. • Long growing season and humid climate • Specialty farms • Smaller scale farms • Appeal to more affluent consumers
Agribusiness • Agribusiness refers to the various businesses that either support or benefit from agriculture. • Farms may be family owned, but agribusinesses are usually large corporations. • Farmers do not make much $, but corp$ do! • Tight relationship with govt. (subsides) • Examples include fertilizer and seed companies, tractor companies, food processing, food retailing, etc.