Engage- Agriculture
Farmer’s Care
Trend in Agriculture
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Produce more with less
1950 – 2.47 billion people in world
2000 – 6.06 billion people
2050 – 7.87-9.32 billion projection
1961 – 1.601 billion acres (World’s farmland)
2001 – 1.670 billion acres (+69 million acres)
1997 (42.2%) – 2007 (40.8%) – lost 22 million
acres of farmland in U.S.
To feed the 2050 population we will have to produce 100% more food!!!
Kentucky Agriculture
$4.918 billion
#1 Poultry
$953 million
#2 Horses
$800 million
#3 Corn
$786 million
#4 Cattle
$628 million
#5 Soybeans $601 million
#6 Tobacco $325 million
#7 Dairy
$232 million
#8 Wheat $199 million
#9 Hay
$135 million
#10 Swine $118 million
#11 Nursery $70 million
#12 Vegetables $25
million
Agriculture is producing more with less and with the most efficient use of
resources ever in history. Greener and more sustainable with less of a carbon
footprint. The problem is no one knows.
Agriculture has Changed
• Smaller more diverse farms to
larger more specialized farms
• Some livestock moves from out
doors to indoors
• Global market place increasing
demand
• New technologies (disease and
insect resistance, improvements in
genetics, nutrition and facilities)
• Ethical commitment to land, water
and animals is unchanged
Pens with Roofs
When we placed the animals in the buildings we
did not mistreat them but started taking really
good care of them. Weather extremes,
parasites, predators
Agriculture has Changed
Poultry buildings have vastly
improved in the birds health
and comfort including
engineering improvements
in feeding systems,
ventilation, and temperature
control.
Today we produce 81% more
chicken per bird than in 1950.
21 days to hatch the egg, 48
days to produce a 5 pound
bird (69 days total)
Agriculture has Changed
Milking parlors , milk safety, milk quality. and
cow comfort have drastically improved
individually monitor
Top herd 305 lactation produce 28,000 lbs of
milk per cow per day. Over 10 gallons a day
Today compared to 1950 we are producing
63% more milk with 58% fewer cows
Agriculture has changed
Swine genetics, nutrition and housing
have advance production and
performance to record levels.
Controlling the heat and cold along
with maintaining a clean dry
environment have lead to slatted floors
and tunnel ventilation.
Today top herd are approaching 30
pigs per sow per year. Produce 275
pound market hog in 6 months
It takes just 15% of the energy to
produce a pound of pork compared to
1970
Today we produce 176% more pork
with 44% fewer sows as compared to
1950’s.
Agriculture has changed
Genetically, nutritionally
and management systems
that fit the market place
and the health conscience
consumer.
Branded products –
Certified Angus Beef,
Laura’s Lean
U.S. cattle farmers &
ranchers raise 20% of
the world’s beef
with 7% of the cattle
Grass &Grain feed –
produce 1250 steer < 20
months
Grass feed - 30 months
Agriculture has changed
Soybeans
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Crop rotation
Minimal tillage
Soil testing
Conservation plans
• 11 times more soybeans
on 5 times fewer acres
than in 1950
Agriculture has changed
Corn
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Precision farming
GPS
No till
Water quality plans
Nutrient management
plans
• Kentucky corn yield
winner last year were
over 400 bushel per acre.
• Today we produce 333%
more corn on 11% fewer
acres compared to 1950
What about the environment? (Manure)
• Price of oil
• Price of chemical fertilizer
• Value of manure
• $150,000 per year (4,000 head
barn)
• Poultry 175 tons year X $40 a
ton = $7,000
• 1/3 cost of chemical fertilizer
• Natures most perfect fertilizer
Protecting the Environment
• Farmers are the original recyclers
• Manure as fertilizer is not new just more
valuable
crops
• Sustainable Cycle
manure
grain
• Strict regulatory oversight
feed
Livestock
• Evolving technologies
• Odor - $11 million EPA emissions study
• Good management = minimal odor
What about the small farmer?
• Contract farming – less
risk, helps with acquiring
loans for capitol,
specialize
• Local food – KY Proud
over 3,000 members
• 97% of farms are owned
by farm families
More with less
• Compared to 1950, farmers today produce:
– 176% more pork per sow with 44% fewer sows
– 81% more chicken per bird
– 333% more corn on 11% fewer acres
– 53% more eggs with 3% fewer hens
– 11 times more soybeans on 5 times fewer acres
– 69% more wheat on 6% fewer acres
– 63% more milk with 58% fewer cows
It’s amazing!!!
Remember…
• Today’s farmers are producing more, safer and
higher quality products on less land than ever in
history.
• Today’s agricultural production is environmentally
friendly, green, totally sustainable with only a
shadow of the carbon footprint as compared with
the past.
• Today livestock are the most comfortable and
cared for ever in history.
• The greatest thing is we are learning and
improving everyday. It just going to get better.
Today’s Farmer Care
Warren Beeler
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Kentucky Department of Agriculture
www.kyagr.com
Livestock Marketing
Office – 502-564-4983
Cell – 270-991-3438
• Questions??