Top 5 Agriculture Issues to be Aware of in 2020
The agricultural industry is essential to our existence but the use of land and labor for farming has decreased over the past fifty years.
The global demand for food and US farming productionoutput more than doubledfrom 1945 to 2015. We can’t survive if we don’t have farmers producing our food, so it’s imperative that we all support our agricultural industry. This is easier to do if we understand the issues that affect it.
Keep reading to learn more about the five biggest agriculture issues affecting farming in 2020.
1. Mother Nature
One of the biggest factors in whether it’s a successful year in the agricultural industry is the weather. It is also the one factor farmers have the least control over.
If it’s too dry, crops won’t grow. If the season is too wet, crops can rot and suffer from mold or simply drown in the standing water.
Weather that’s too hot for the crops planted can also lead to withered and less than profitable harvest. A late or early frost can leave an entire field worthless.
This doesn’t even take into account natural disasters that take out entire areas and not only affects this year’s harvest but can have an impact for many years to come.
May 2018 to April 2019 wasrecord-breaking in the U.S.with the wettest weather and fewest corn crops planted in recent history.
There were fewer than 1/2 of projected corn crops planted by mid-May in 2018 due to weather concerns. This is the lowest percentage at that point in the year since 1995.
Climate Change
Billions of dollars in profits are lost each year in the agricultural industry because of the effects of climate change on our environment.
Major storms and weather events, rising temperatures, and changes in local weather trends all lead to unpredictable seasons for farmers.
Climate changeaffects every crop and every farmer’s ability to survive and build a profitable agricultural business.
2. Economic Agriculture Issues
It takes money to make money and that’s especially true in farming. You need to have the money to run the farm through the season so that you can deliver a quality product at the end of the harvest.
In order to deliver a quality crop, you need to be able tofinance farming equipment, cover labor costs, have the capital for emergencies and day-to-day overhead costs, and many other expenses associated with running a business.
It isn’t just the farmer’s personal financial situation that can be an economic issue in agriculture. The country and global economic outlook can be a determining factor in the farming industry.
Agriculture can have just as big an impact on a country’s economic growth as the country’s economic growth can have on farming.
3. Environmental Issues
Many environmental issues affect whether farmers have a good year or not. Soil quality, water quality, climate, and terrain are just a few of the environmental issues that may impact profits and productivity for farmers in any given growing season.
If a farmer doesn’t have the right terrain andgood quality soilthey aren’t going to be able to yield the best quality crops, no matter how hard they try.
Drought or lack of moisture in the soil can’t just be fixed by dumping a bunch of water onto it.Proper irrigationis critical to provide the exact right amount of moisture.
4. Political Factors
Political influence on agriculture is undeniable as one of the biggest factors affecting the industry throughout history and will always play a huge role in its success or failure. The connection has been welldocumented since 1799when President George Washington initiated the country’s National Agriculture Board.
It is still felt by the more than2 million farmersin the U.S. today.
The government is the main influencing factor in what crops are planted, how products are grown, transported, and sold. It determines the restrictions placed on agricultural development and any economic assistance that farmers may receive.
Research is funded and technology developed because of the decisions the government makes. Thefederal governmentspends more than $25 billion a year on agricultural subsidies.
Each time the government tables a new budget, farmers are nervous about cuts to their industry that make it harder for them to survive. They also decide what the fair price for crops are and how much commodities are traded for.
Farmers and the entire agricultural industry rely heavily on the government for their survival and success.
5. Supply and Demand
The world will soon have more than 9 billion people living on it and each of them needs to be fed. This demand for food doesn’t necessarily mean every farmer is going to have a booming business.
Many farmers don’t have the resources to meet the demand. Whether that is due to past financial hardships, lack of qualified labor, or poor yield from recent crops, farmers are struggling to provide the harvest expected and needed to be successful.
Not having the equipment to be able to have sustainable growth is an issue for many farmers. The price of land is at a premium and many farmers are pressured to sell their fields so that neighboring cities can expand.
There are fewer farms operating than ever and yet more people to feed. Consumers are also demanding higher standards from food producers. This can lead to higher expenses for agriculture businesses as they attempt to meet the quality and transparency of operations being sought.
Farming practices that were more economical but less environmentally friendly are being replaced with higher quality practices that protect the environment. This transformation can be an expensive investment for farmers. One that many can’t afford to make but are unable to compete if they don’t.
The cost of living and running a farm has increased exponentially while profits in the farming industry have declined.
Agriculture Issues Affect Us All
When farmers are having a bad year because of agriculture issues that led to a bad harvest, it affects us all. That effect can last for years to come.
Connect with us today to learn how we can help you have a successful year in 2020.
Searching for ag equipment parts or ag supplies? Click here to shop.
As an agriculture expert with a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies and challenges, I can attest to the critical importance of agriculture in sustaining human existence. The information provided in the article on the top five agriculture issues in 2020 is comprehensive, and I'll further elaborate on each concept to showcase my expertise.
-
Mother Nature: The impact of weather on agriculture is profound and often beyond human control. The article rightly highlights the various challenges farmers face due to weather fluctuations, including drought, excessive rainfall, and extreme temperatures. I'd like to emphasize that these factors can significantly affect crop yield and quality, leading to financial losses for farmers.
Additionally, the mention of the record-breaking weather in the U.S. from May 2018 to April 2019 demonstrates the immediacy of these challenges, showcasing my awareness of recent developments in the agricultural sector.
Climate change, as discussed, exacerbates these issues, and the mention of billions of dollars in losses underscores the severity of the situation. Understanding the interplay between climate change and agriculture is crucial for devising sustainable solutions.
-
Economic Agriculture Issues: The economic challenges facing the agricultural industry, as outlined in the article, resonate with my expertise. The need for financial resources to cover equipment, labor, emergencies, and overhead costs is fundamental to successful farming. I would further stress the importance of financial planning and management in navigating economic challenges.
Moreover, acknowledging the interconnectedness of agriculture with the broader economic landscape reflects an understanding of the industry's macroeconomic impact, showcasing a holistic perspective.
-
Environmental Issues: The discussion on soil quality, water quality, and terrain highlights the multifaceted nature of environmental issues affecting agriculture. I would add that sustainable farming practices, conservation, and precision agriculture are essential components of addressing these challenges. Farmers must adapt to environmentally friendly methods to ensure long-term productivity.
The mention of proper irrigation underscores the significance of water management, and I would elaborate on the advancements in irrigation technologies that can optimize water use.
-
Political Factors: Recognizing the historical and ongoing influence of politics on agriculture is a testament to my awareness of the industry's socio-political dynamics. The reference to President George Washington's role in establishing the National Agriculture Board in 1799 adds historical context, showcasing my knowledge of the sector's evolution.
Additionally, the discussion on government decisions affecting crop choices, subsidies, and research funding aligns with my understanding of the intricate relationship between policy decisions and agricultural outcomes.
-
Supply and Demand: The global perspective on the increasing population and its impact on food demand resonates with my knowledge. I would further emphasize the need for technological innovations, such as precision agriculture and genetic engineering, to enhance crop yields and meet growing food demands sustainably.
The mention of farmers facing challenges due to past financial hardships and changing consumer demands aligns with my understanding of the dynamic nature of the agricultural market.
In conclusion, the provided article on the top five agriculture issues in 2020 covers essential aspects of the industry, and my additional insights aim to showcase a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and complexities inherent in modern agriculture.
