Crop production is a complex business, requiring many skills (such
as biology, agronomy, mechanics, and marketing) and covering a variety of
operations throughout the year. In this module, the practice of crop production
will be described by discussing eight components in the crop production cycle:
For each component, the operations and when they need to be
carried out, the machinery or equipment farmers use, potential environmental
concerns related to that component, and best management practices recommended
to minimize environmental problems will be described.
Growing crops for food was one of the first priorities of the
earliest settlers arriving in North America. With shipboard supplies depleted,
and having little familiarity with the land and native vegetation, groups
arriving from Europe were quickly forced to learn to produce crops to ensure
their survival. The stories of Native Americans teaching the settlers to plant
and fertilize a corn crop are part of this country’s lore.
In the era of Thomas Jefferson (arguably the most illustrious
farmer that this nation has produced), farmers made up about 90% of the work
force. As late as 1900, almost 40% of the labor force was engaged in producing
crops and livestock for food, feed, and fiber. Now, with less than one percent
of our population claiming farming as a principal occupation, most U.S.
citizens have little or no crop production experience. This section provides an
overview of the principles and practices associated with production of the
major crops grown in the United States.
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