Farming during 2000 to Present In the 21st century the agricultural sector focused on specialized farms in the rural areas where less than a fourth of the population lives. The farms are productive and higher technological equipment which leads to a smaller number of workers needed to work on the farm. Approximately 1.9 percent of the workforce is in agriculture (The 20th Century Transformation of U.S. Agriculture and Farm Policy, 2005). Average size of a farm is 441 acres. 98 percent of farms are owned by families or individuals. Because of the farmers are smaller in size they must be smart with who they hire it can be a direct link to decide if they are profitable or not. Farmers must be as efficient as possible. The may use a wide range of techniques to …show more content…
The use Global Positioning System(GPS) helps with the location of where to plant, fertilize, and water (21st Century in Modern World, 2005). “It cuts, costs, cuts herbicide use, decreases fuel use, and increases time efficiency so we can work more acres” (21st Century in Modern World, 2005). Along with yield monitoring to track the amount of production with a particular crop. Bioenginering is another technology used by farmers in the 21st century. This technology is conversional. “Bioengineered crops are grown from seeds that have been genetically modified to yield plants that are altered in some way” (21st Century in Modern World, 2005). Farmers have to decide with bioengineered crops are worth the risks because some consumers do not want to purchase them. Organic Farming uses natural methods of production, adopt techniques that raise soil quality to naturally resist diseases, weeds, and insects. They increase the soil quality by planting extra nutrients in the off growing season. “Small farmers that grow organic products allows them to remain in farming and still make a profit”(21st Century in Modern World,