Intro to Ag Geography

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Intro to Ag GeographyIntro to Ag Geography What is the message of this talk?What is the message of this talk? What was the most surprising thing What was the most surprising thing

you learned?you learned?

http://www.ted.com/talks/http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_foley_the_other_inconveniejonathan_foley_the_other_inconvenient_truth.htmlnt_truth.html

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Unit 9 AgricultureUnit 9 Agriculture

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Today’s ObjectivesToday’s Objectives Describe the origins of Agriculture, Describe the origins of Agriculture,

including 1including 1stst, 2, 2ndnd and 3 and 3rdrd Agricultural Agricultural Revolutions.Revolutions.

Explain the high tech outlook for Explain the high tech outlook for Agriculture with agribusiness and Agriculture with agribusiness and GMOs.GMOs.

Differentiate between agriculture in Differentiate between agriculture in LDCs and MDCs.LDCs and MDCs.

Define & describe agriculture regions.Define & describe agriculture regions.

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AgricultureAgriculture

Importance of AGImportance of AG• Everyone dependent on foodEveryone dependent on food• AG occupies more land area than any AG occupies more land area than any

other econ activityother econ activity• AG employs 45% - almost half of world’s AG employs 45% - almost half of world’s

labor (in Africa and Asia over 50% are labor (in Africa and Asia over 50% are farmers)farmers)

• W/out AG you could not have any cities W/out AG you could not have any cities or urban areasor urban areas

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AG – Intro cont’dAG – Intro cont’d

AG practices = one of the most AG practices = one of the most fundamental differences between fundamental differences between MDCs and LDCsMDCs and LDCs

Big Questions….Big Questions….• WhereWhere is AG distributed across the is AG distributed across the

earth?earth?• HowHow does farming vary around the does farming vary around the

globe?globe?• WhyWhy does farming vary across the does farming vary across the

globe?globe?

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Origins of AGOrigins of AG

AgricultureAgriculture: purposeful modification : purposeful modification of earth’s surface to plant crops or of earth’s surface to plant crops or raise livestock for human sustenanceraise livestock for human sustenance

• AG began when humans domesticated AG began when humans domesticated plants and animals for useplants and animals for use

• Origins of AG predate recorded human Origins of AG predate recorded human historyhistory

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Before AGBefore AG

Hunter/gathererHunter/gatherer

societiessocieties

follow gamefollow game

and seasonaland seasonal

growthgrowth

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11stst AG Revolution AG Revolution

@ 10,000 yrs ago – late 18@ 10,000 yrs ago – late 18thth C C DomesticationDomestication – conscious – conscious

manipulation of plants/animalsmanipulation of plants/animals Invention of AG evolved slowly and Invention of AG evolved slowly and

over time through accident and over time through accident and experimentationexperimentation

11stst rev: rev: • hunter/gatherer to semi-sedentary hunter/gatherer to semi-sedentary

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Carl SauerCarl Sauer

Expert on 1Expert on 1stst Rev Rev• Occurred in time of plenty, not famineOccurred in time of plenty, not famine• Multiple hearths occurred independently in Multiple hearths occurred independently in

several placesseveral places• Seed cultivation in Fertile Crescent (Iraq) - @ Seed cultivation in Fertile Crescent (Iraq) - @

10,000 yrs ago10,000 yrs ago• Yams in hill country of SE Asia @ 10,000 yrs Yams in hill country of SE Asia @ 10,000 yrs

agoago• Root crops & corn in Mesoamerica (Mayans) @ Root crops & corn in Mesoamerica (Mayans) @

5,000 yrs ago5,000 yrs ago• Likely discovered by women by accidentLikely discovered by women by accident

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11stst AG Revolution – cont’d AG Revolution – cont’d AG DiffusionAG Diffusion: spread by relocation - : spread by relocation -

migration & colonialism (migration & colonialism (Columbian Columbian Exchange)Exchange)

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11stst AG Revolution – cont’d AG Revolution – cont’d

Today diffusion is hierarchical – Today diffusion is hierarchical – starts in research centers of MDCs starts in research centers of MDCs moves to smaller farms or LDCsmoves to smaller farms or LDCs

Diff can be bad/accidental (ex: kudzu Diff can be bad/accidental (ex: kudzu = the vine that ate the South)= the vine that ate the South)

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AG Diffusion – accidental - kudzuAG Diffusion – accidental - kudzu

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22ndnd AG Revolution AG Revolution

Began in W. Eur in 1600s – transformed W. Began in W. Eur in 1600s – transformed W. Eur and N. AmericaEur and N. America

Intensified AG by promoting higher yields Intensified AG by promoting higher yields per acre and per farmerper acre and per farmer

Used Used crop rotationcrop rotation, fertilizers, improved , fertilizers, improved collars for draft animalscollars for draft animals

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Farmers create surplus, people can Farmers create surplus, people can live in cities and buy AG products at live in cities and buy AG products at marketmarket

Move from rural to urbanMove from rural to urban

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22ndnd AG revolution – cont’d AG revolution – cont’d

Late 1700s = Industrial Revolution – Late 1700s = Industrial Revolution – mechanizationmechanization• Tractors, reapers, threshers replaced Tractors, reapers, threshers replaced

human laborhuman labor• Better transportation – RR, steamboats, Better transportation – RR, steamboats,

refrigerated cars, etc. allows farmers to refrigerated cars, etc. allows farmers to ship food products further to urban ship food products further to urban marketsmarkets

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22ndnd AG rev – cont’d AG rev – cont’d

Industrial Revolution – Industrial Revolution –

Changes in transportationChanges in transportation

increaseincrease

market area for market area for

farmers’ producefarmers’ produce

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33rdrd AG Rev AG Rev The “Green Revolution”The “Green Revolution” 1940s-1960s 1940s-1960s MDCs transfer tech to LDCsMDCs transfer tech to LDCs Main practices:Main practices:

• Artificial fertilizerArtificial fertilizer• IrrigationIrrigation• Insecticides and Insecticides and pesticidespesticides• Mechanical machineryMechanical machinery• Crossbreeding/hybridization (naturally not in a Crossbreeding/hybridization (naturally not in a

lab)lab)

…….ALL produce higher yields.ALL produce higher yields

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33rdrd Rev / Green Rev Rev / Green Rev

Multinational Corps encourage LDCs Multinational Corps encourage LDCs to focus on to focus on specialty crops – specialty crops – monoculturemonoculture for export instead of for export instead of producing food for local consumptionproducing food for local consumption

Successful in some LDCs but Successful in some LDCs but detrimental in others detrimental in others • New tech devastated landNew tech devastated land• Bad for environmentBad for environment• Unsustainable farmingUnsustainable farming• Changes in social & culture structuresChanges in social & culture structures

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Today & the Future…..Today & the Future…..High Tech AG & AgribusinessHigh Tech AG & Agribusiness

Computerized irrigation, remote Computerized irrigation, remote sensing, long-term weather sensing, long-term weather predictions, GMO’spredictions, GMO’s

GMOs:GMOs: genetically modified foods – genetically modified foods – genes altered in a lab for disease genes altered in a lab for disease resistance, increased productivity, resistance, increased productivity, increased nutritional valueincreased nutritional value• BIG debate…U.S. pro – feed developing BIG debate…U.S. pro – feed developing

world; Europe anti – “Franken food”world; Europe anti – “Franken food”

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GMOsGMOs

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Today and Future….Today and Future….

Agribusiness:Agribusiness: multinational giant multinational giant corporations dominate much of corporations dominate much of world’s AG marketworld’s AG market• demise of family farmdemise of family farm• AG is BIG, expensive business (control AG is BIG, expensive business (control

land, tech, machinery, shipping, land, tech, machinery, shipping, packaging, etc.)packaging, etc.)

• Globalization of AGGlobalization of AG: free trade, WTO: free trade, WTO

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Geog looks at Geog looks at WHEREWHERE crops are crops are produced around the produced around the

globe….affected by…….globe….affected by…….

Environment:Environment: (Environmental (Environmental Determinism)…rice needs lots of Determinism)…rice needs lots of water, grapes need cool wet winters water, grapes need cool wet winters and hot dry summers, etc. and hot dry summers, etc. Possibilism…green houses, irrigationPossibilism…green houses, irrigation

Culture:Culture: rice in Asia, corn in MX, rice in Asia, corn in MX, wheat in US/Eur, no pork in Middle wheat in US/Eur, no pork in Middle East, etc.East, etc.

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What crops are What crops are produced where…produced where…

Economic:Economic: grow crop that makes grow crop that makes greatest profit (von Thunen model)greatest profit (von Thunen model)

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Geog looks at Geog looks at HOWHOW crops grown crops grown

Labor IntensiveLabor Intensive – lots of people and – lots of people and few tools V. few tools V. Capital IntensiveCapital Intensive – little – little human labor, but tools, machineryhuman labor, but tools, machinery

Intensive AG-Intensive AG- greater yields off greater yields off smaller areas (future of farming as smaller areas (future of farming as AG land is lost) V. AG land is lost) V. Extensive AGExtensive AG – – needs lots of land, not efficient (wide needs lots of land, not efficient (wide spread ranching)spread ranching)

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HOW crops grown – cont’dHOW crops grown – cont’d

Intensive/extensive and capital Intensive/extensive and capital intensive/labor intensive spectrums intensive/labor intensive spectrums are independent of each are independent of each other…..examples?other…..examples?

Subsistence AGSubsistence AG (LDCs) V. (LDCs) V. Commercial AGCommercial AG (MDCs) …see (MDCs) …see handouthandout

Agriculture Regions

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AG Regions in LDCsAG Regions in LDCs

1.1.Shifting Cultivation:Shifting Cultivation: in rainforests in rainforests• Slash and Burn:Slash and Burn: clear land by slashing clear land by slashing

vegetation and burning debrisvegetation and burning debris• Swidden:Swidden: land that’s been cleared for land that’s been cleared for

farmingfarming• Land often owned by village not indiv.Land often owned by village not indiv.• Cannot support dense populationsCannot support dense populations• Soil depletes rapidly…leads to Soil depletes rapidly…leads to

deforestationdeforestation

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AG in LDCs - AG in LDCs -

Shifting cultivation – deforestationShifting cultivation – deforestation

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2.) Pastoral Nomadism2.) Pastoral Nomadism – nomadic herders – nomadic herders• Dry mntn regions of Africa and Asia where Dry mntn regions of Africa and Asia where

harsh climate prevent plantsharsh climate prevent plants• Herders cover wide area searching for food for Herders cover wide area searching for food for

herdherd• TranshumanceTranshumance – seasonal migration – seasonal migration• Use animals - food, clothing, milk, skinsUse animals - food, clothing, milk, skins• Type of animal varies depending on culture Type of animal varies depending on culture

and physical region (i.e. camel, sheep, goat, and physical region (i.e. camel, sheep, goat, horse, etc.)horse, etc.)

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AG in LDCs - AG in LDCs -

Pastoral NomadismPastoral Nomadism

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3.) 3.) Intensive SubsistenceIntensive Subsistence• High yield for small area of landHigh yield for small area of land• Densely pop areas of AsiaDensely pop areas of Asia• Often w/ wet rice in AsiaOften w/ wet rice in Asia• W/ wheat and barley in India and ChinaW/ wheat and barley in India and China• Double croppingDouble cropping – 2 crops/harvests per – 2 crops/harvests per

yearyear• Crop RotationCrop Rotation – preserves soil nutrients – preserves soil nutrients

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4.) 4.) Plantation FarmingPlantation Farming• Found in tropics/subtropicsFound in tropics/subtropics• Large farm specializes in 1-2 cash Large farm specializes in 1-2 cash

crops (coffee, sugar, cotton)crops (coffee, sugar, cotton)• Often controlled/owned by MDCOften controlled/owned by MDC• Labor comes from LDCLabor comes from LDC• Crops exported for sale, not sold Crops exported for sale, not sold

locallylocally

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AG Regions in MDCsAG Regions in MDCs

1.) Mixed Crop/Livestock Farming1.) Mixed Crop/Livestock Farming• Western N. America, S. America, Western N. America, S. America,

AustraliaAustralia• Integrate crops and livestock – crops Integrate crops and livestock – crops

(soybeans and corn) fed to animals(soybeans and corn) fed to animals• Employ crop rotationEmploy crop rotation

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2.) Dairying2.) Dairying: : • Near large urban areas (NE United Near large urban areas (NE United

States, SE Canada, NW Eur)States, SE Canada, NW Eur)• Close to city b/c product perishable (esp Close to city b/c product perishable (esp

milk…cheese & butter can come from milk…cheese & butter can come from further away)further away)

• Milk ShedMilk Shed - how far out can supply milk - how far out can supply milk w/out spoilingw/out spoiling

• These farms are expensive and labor These farms are expensive and labor intensiveintensive

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AG in MDCs – Dairy FarmsAG in MDCs – Dairy Farms

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3.)3.) Grain Farming Grain Farming: wheat, corn, barley, : wheat, corn, barley, oats, milletoats, millet• grains grown for human consumptiongrains grown for human consumption• Sale to manufacturers for food Sale to manufacturers for food

production (cereal, bread, flour)production (cereal, bread, flour)• US – by far greatest exporter of grain US – by far greatest exporter of grain

(Great Plains = bread basket)(Great Plains = bread basket)

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AG in MDCs – grain farmingAG in MDCs – grain farming

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4.)4.) Livestock Ranching Livestock Ranching: : • Commercial grazing of livestock (cattle – Commercial grazing of livestock (cattle –

beef) over extensive areasbeef) over extensive areas• Big in western US (i.e. ranchers) and Big in western US (i.e. ranchers) and

Argentina – semi-arid areasArgentina – semi-arid areas

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5.)5.) Mediterranean AG Mediterranean AG• Mediterranean climates of W. Eur, CA, Mediterranean climates of W. Eur, CA,

ChileChile• Variety of fruits and vegetables for Variety of fruits and vegetables for

human consumption – olives, grapes, human consumption – olives, grapes, avocadoes, nuts, etc.avocadoes, nuts, etc.

• Olives and grapes = most valuable cash Olives and grapes = most valuable cash crops…..olive oil and winecrops…..olive oil and wine

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AG in MDCs - MediterraneanAG in MDCs - Mediterranean

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6.)6.) Truck Farming Truck Farming – commercial – commercial gardening and fruit farminggardening and fruit farming• American SE – long growing season and American SE – long growing season and

humidhumid• Apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, Apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage,

cherries, etc. cherries, etc. • ““Truck” was a word for barter and these Truck” was a word for barter and these

items were originally produced for local items were originally produced for local markets…today produced for large scale markets…today produced for large scale food processorsfood processors

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Truck FarmingTruck Farming

Apples, squash, lettuce, cabbage,Apples, squash, lettuce, cabbage,

peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes,

peaches, tomatoes, green beanspeaches, tomatoes, green beans

Bell Ringer

Where did “agriculture” originate and when?

Why is the 3rd agricultural revolution called the Green Revolution?

What are some criticisms of the Green Revolution?

Today’s Objectives◦ Explain how scientists use genetic engineering to create

plants that can survive being sprayed by weedkiller or can create their own pest defenses.

◦ Evaluate what effects these genetically engineered plants may have on the environment.

◦ Speculate on whether the proteins produced by inserted genes might be dangerous, either because the proteins themselves are allergenic or because they might alter the plant's chemistry, making it toxic.

◦ Examine the need for genetically engineered foods, including the claim that these foods will help reduce starvation and improve nutrition in developing countries.

“Harvest of Fear”

What is the difference between traditional plant breeding and breeding done through genetic engineering?

Where do you think genetic engineering is politically/culturally acceptable? For what reasons?

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Bell Ringer Consumers want meat that is ….? How many different companies were

involved in the mislabeled horsemeat? What do you think are the pros and

cons of agribusiness? When is the next time you are going to

eat a burger?!

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Today’s Objectives Connect agriculture in MDCs to world

climate zones. Explore the issues for Commercial

Farming, including transportation, overproduction, and price supports.

Analyze, apply and evaluate von Thunen’s model for agriculture locations.

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Finish Harvest of Fear

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Ag in MDCs and Koppen Model

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Issues for Commercial FarmersIssues for Commercial Farmers

1.) Access to markets – distance from 1.) Access to markets – distance from market influences crop choicemarket influences crop choice

Von Thunen’s ModelVon Thunen’s Model 19 19thth C Germany C Germany• Noticed lands w/ same physical geog Noticed lands w/ same physical geog

were being used for diff AG productswere being used for diff AG products• Farmers consider 2 costs – land and Farmers consider 2 costs – land and

transporting goods to markettransporting goods to market• Land cost most expensive near market Land cost most expensive near market

& decreases w/ distance& decreases w/ distance

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Von Thunen – cont’dVon Thunen – cont’d

Products w/ intensive land use, high Products w/ intensive land use, high transportation costs, and in high transportation costs, and in high demand located near market (i.e. demand located near market (i.e. highly perishable items, bulky heavy highly perishable items, bulky heavy items….dairy, fruits, veggies). These items….dairy, fruits, veggies). These generate higher prices and farmers generate higher prices and farmers can afford more expensive land can afford more expensive land nearest marketnearest market

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Products in less demand, w/ more Products in less demand, w/ more extensive land use or cheaper to extensive land use or cheaper to transport are found further from transport are found further from market where land is cheaper market where land is cheaper (ranching, mixed farming, orchards)(ranching, mixed farming, orchards)

Formula – can farmer make profit?Formula – can farmer make profit?• P= V – (E + T)P= V – (E + T)• Profit = commodity value – (production Profit = commodity value – (production

cost + transportation cost)cost + transportation cost)

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The model = concentric rings coming The model = concentric rings coming out of marketout of market1. nearest, perishable items diff to 1. nearest, perishable items diff to

transport (berries, milk, tomatoes)transport (berries, milk, tomatoes)

2. 2. forestryforestry – wood heavy and diff to – wood heavy and diff to transporttransport

3. mixed farming – pigs, poultry3. mixed farming – pigs, poultry

4. wheat, barley, grains, livestock4. wheat, barley, grains, livestock

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Von Thunen ModelVon Thunen Model

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Contemporary Variables of the Contemporary Variables of the Model?Model?

Modern transportation more efficientModern transportation more efficient Transportation costs no longer Transportation costs no longer

proportional to distanceproportional to distance Wood (#2 forestry) no longer needed Wood (#2 forestry) no longer needed

for fuelfor fuel Technology has decreased Technology has decreased

permissibility (refrigerated cars, permissibility (refrigerated cars, canning, etc.)canning, etc.)

Model still relevant today?????Model still relevant today?????

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Issues for Commercial Farmers - Issues for Commercial Farmers - OVERPRODUCIONOVERPRODUCION

Tech allows farmers to produce more Tech allows farmers to produce more than demanded (too much product, than demanded (too much product, not enough profit)not enough profit)• Ex: US govnt pays $4B in cotton Ex: US govnt pays $4B in cotton

subsidies, farmers make $3B off cropsubsidies, farmers make $3B off crop Subsidies:Subsidies: govnt pays to produce govnt pays to produce

less – spends @ $10B annuallyless – spends @ $10B annually Govn’t also buys surplus and Govn’t also buys surplus and

donates to foreign countriesdonates to foreign countries

Bell Ringer

Today’s Objectives

Shifting Cultivation in the Amazon Response Group activity

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Bell Ringer

Blood on the Scarcrow – John Cougar Mellencamp

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Today’s Objectives

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Ag in LDCs and Koppen Model

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Issues for Subsistence FarmersIssues for Subsistence Farmers

1.) rapidly increasing pop – must feed more 1.) rapidly increasing pop – must feed more people on same land (GMOs?)people on same land (GMOs?)

2.) Trying to grow food for export for 2.) Trying to grow food for export for development and not just for consumptiondevelopment and not just for consumption

Strategies….Strategies….• Expand land areas and increase productivity of Expand land areas and increase productivity of

land already in useland already in use• Identify new food sourcesIdentify new food sources• When there is surplus, export, to bring in $$$When there is surplus, export, to bring in $$$

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Future of Farming…..Future of Farming…..

Intensive AG is replacing Extensive Intensive AG is replacing Extensive AG…generate more food on smaller AG…generate more food on smaller plots of landplots of land• Ex: Ex: FeedlotsFeedlots: concentrate raising : concentrate raising

livestock in smaller space and use livestock in smaller space and use hormones and other fattening grains to hormones and other fattening grains to prepare cattle for slaughter at a more prepare cattle for slaughter at a more rapid pace and in a smaller spacerapid pace and in a smaller space

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Future of Farming….Future of Farming….

BiotechnologyBiotechnology – techniques to modify – techniques to modify living organism and improve plant and living organism and improve plant and animal species and production (animal species and production (GMOsGMOs))

AgribusinessAgribusiness: includes food production, : includes food production, canning, refining, packing, etc.canning, refining, packing, etc.• Little farmer goes out of businessLittle farmer goes out of business• Transnational Corp – profit goes to companyTransnational Corp – profit goes to company• Can get any fruit/fresh produce all over the Can get any fruit/fresh produce all over the

globe at any time of yearglobe at any time of year

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AG and the EnvironmentAG and the Environment Negative impacts on EnvNegative impacts on Env

• PesticidesPesticides (DDT) harm wildlife, (DDT) harm wildlife,

pollute lakes, rivers, etc.pollute lakes, rivers, etc.

• ErosionErosion – loss of fertile topsoil – – loss of fertile topsoil –

fertile topsoil accumulates slowlyfertile topsoil accumulates slowly

takes hundreds of yrs to rebuildtakes hundreds of yrs to rebuild

• Salinization:Salinization: soil in dry area is soil in dry area is

irrigated, water evaporates quickly irrigated, water evaporates quickly

and leaves salty residueand leaves salty residue

• Urban Sprawl: takes over good Urban Sprawl: takes over good

AG landAG land

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AG and the EnvironmentAG and the Environment

Deforestation:Deforestation: slash and burn in slash and burn in rainforests rainforests (debt for nature swap(debt for nature swap – – see article)see article)

Desertification:Desertification: degradation of land… degradation of land…turns into desert b/c of extensive turns into desert b/c of extensive planting or grazingplanting or grazing

Conclusion….greater tech often Conclusion….greater tech often correlates w/ destruction of env.correlates w/ destruction of env.

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RESOURCESRESOURCES

Natural Resources:Natural Resources: • Renewable:Renewable: resources w/ a theoretically resources w/ a theoretically

unlimited supply…env continues to unlimited supply…env continues to replace them (i.e. soil, timber). Note – replace them (i.e. soil, timber). Note – we can use renewable resources faster we can use renewable resources faster than they can reproduce themselvesthan they can reproduce themselves

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• Nonrenewable:Nonrenewable: cannot be replaced by cannot be replaced by nature; a finite supply that will be nature; a finite supply that will be exhausted (minerals, coal, oil, copper)exhausted (minerals, coal, oil, copper)

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FishingFishing

Accounts for 20% of human and Accounts for 20% of human and animal protein consumption (higher animal protein consumption (higher in some countries)in some countries)

3 Sources:3 Sources:• Inland catch – ponds, lakes – 7%Inland catch – ponds, lakes – 7%• Fish Farms – controlled/contained Fish Farms – controlled/contained

environment – 32%environment – 32%• Marine catch – oceans – continental Marine catch – oceans – continental

shelf – 100 miles out – 61%shelf – 100 miles out – 61%

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Fishing Problems….Fishing Problems….

Over fishing – catch is surpassing Over fishing – catch is surpassing reproduction rates – endangered reproduction rates – endangered supplies. supplies.

Tragedy of the Commons Tragedy of the Commons = = oceans & open seas, communal oceans & open seas, communal property, all take too muchproperty, all take too much

Pollution of coastal watersPollution of coastal waters

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FishingFishing

AquacultureAquaculture: fish farming – breed : fish farming – breed fish in ponds, lakes, canals, or fenced fish in ponds, lakes, canals, or fenced off in coastal baysoff in coastal bays• Accounts for 30% of total fish harvest in Accounts for 30% of total fish harvest in

recent yrsrecent yrs• Fastest growing sector of world Fastest growing sector of world

economyeconomy

Intro to Ag Geography

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