FREE ESSAY ON AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURE

THE WORLD LEADER IN AGRICULTURE IS THE U.S.
Since the agricultural transformation began in the United States, the United States only
seemed to improve agriculturally. The Western Hemisphere was the first to progress
towards this transformation, displaying the United States as a leader in agriculture. As
stated by Dan Hillel in The Agricultural Transformation,
"The Agricultural Transformation is very likely the most momentous turn in the progress
of humankind...The ability to raise crops and livestock, while resulting in a greater and
more secure supply of food, definitely required attachment to controllable sections of
land, and hence brought about the growth of permanent settlements and of larger
coordinated communities." 
Thus, this transformation ensured a supply of food and ended the need to roam about for
food. This development was an important change in the structure of society, also a step
in building a prestigious reputation as being a leader in agriculture. It gave United
States a sense of organization and strength which indeed helped in its development.
"Simply put, agriculture means raising things on purpose, and the American Indians were
the first farmers in the Western Hemisphere," said by R. Douglas Hurt in the article
Mesoamerican Origins. The American Indians (Mesoamericans) agriculture became more
complex. They learned how to grow crops such as tomatoes, beans, and a wide variety of
plants. They also learned other techniques such as clearing land and also irrigation.
Because of their success, other Mesoamericans began to settle and also adopted their
fellow Mesoamerican farming techniques. Agriculture became more and more popular and
important that the white settlers also began to farm. Over time, as farming became more
popular, the United States thrived on agriculture. 
It became an important issue especially to Thomas Jefferson. He was a key person in
leading the agricultural development of the United States. Thomas Jefferson believed in
agrarianism and thought highly of farmers. An agriculture leader should understand why
agriculture is important and how to improve and also maintain a good status
agriculturally. And Thomas Jefferson held all these qualities. He did what was best for
the farmers as well as others in the United States. And by him being a great leader
agriculturally, many others in the government kept his ideas in mind. That is what made
this country strong, we develop from our past and in effect our country has grown
stronger. For example, 
In 1970- a farmer could provide enough for 2 people
In 1935- a farmer could provide enough for 10 people
In 1992- a farmer could provide enough for 127 people
In 1998- a farmer could provide enough for over 130 people
This shows a growth in efficiency. But now only 2% of the population in the United States
are farmers, meaning that only 2% of our population produces for the whole nation.
Although this percentage is extremely low, it displays that we are agriculturally strong.
Even other countries of the world depend on our agriculture. United States exports about
40% of what we produce. 
United states has grown from a society of hunter-gatherer to a society of agriculture.
United States has improved in agriculture over time and has made it become stronger and
in turn a leader. In conclusion, United States is the world leader in agriculture due to
the people, the land, leadership, development and strength, United States has the ability
maintain all qualities and also improve. 
CITATIONS:
The Agricultural Transformation- Dan Hillel 
Mesoamerican Origins - R. Douglas Hurt
Development of Agriculture in the United States outline- provided by AG 101