CaroVail Agronomy Update July 3, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

From sea to shining sea, agriculture has been an important part of the development of this country. From the farmers in Lexington, who hid arms from the British in their fields and barns and who helped to fuel a revolution, to today’s innovators, who continue to find ways to feed a rapidly growing population with fewer and fewer acres available, the central role of the farmer in the founding and growth of this nation is undeniable.

Early agriculturists were central to the early economy, providing food, fiber, and wood (which also helped to supply and support the revolution). Continuing that tradition, today’s agriculture continues to fuel our economy with exports and domestic revenues.

As the United States grew, it was agriculturists that pushed westward looking for fertile ground and the promise of a better life. They established the Land Grant Universities to research new crops, soil sciences, and technology, advancing productivity to new levels. Folks like John Deere, Cyrus McCormick, and Eli Whitney developed tools that enabled the expansion of agriculture. These advances, coupled with the vast transportation network that had to be developed for the movement of agricultural products, helped to stimulate many other sectors of the US economy, including manufacturing.

Today, innovations in technology and equipment continue to raise production levels, assisting modern agriculturalists in facing the challenge of a growing world population and shrinking farm acres. Agriculture has provided many opportunities in science, technology, manufacturing, allied industries, and infrastructural development, supporting the broader growth and development of the economy.

Thanks to agriculture many will sit down to picnics, cookouts, and celebrations this 4th of July, consuming high quality and safe foods. Happy 239th birthday, United States of America, and wishing you many more.