Agriculture Pt. 2

AP Human Geography

Overview

• Subsistence agriculture is most common in LDC’s.• MDC’s rely on commercial agriculture.• Commercial agriculture can be broken into 6

categories.– Mixed Crop and Livestock– Dairy Farming– Grain Farming– Livestock Ranching– Mediterranean – Commercial Gardening and Fruit

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.

• Challenges– Labor Intensive– Year round commitment (winter feeding)

Mixed Crop and Livestock

• Both crops and livestock are raised.• Crops, however, are fed to livestock and not

intended for human consumption.• 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.

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.

Corn and Wheat Belts

Livestock Ranching

• Done in areas where soil is too poor to produce crops.– Texas, Oklahoma

• Historically Texas to train to Chicago back onto train 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