The reason we do this

The reason we do this
A walk with the Coys

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Thoughts on the growing world population

As I sit and ponder new reports on out estimated population growth....

The world population grows by an estimated 77 million people per year (U.S. Census Bureau) , and is expected to do so for the foreseeable future. American farmers find themselves in a unique position of having their products be in high demand world wide. To accommodate, farmers productivity has continued to rise to make the supply needed for the current demand. For Instance, in 1910 the average acre of corn produced 27 bushels, and in 2009 the average ohio acre of corn produced 165 bushels (United States Department of Agriculture).  This is quite an increase and was sufficient for the 6.8 billion people in 2009.  However we are looking at an estimated 9 billion people by 2042 (earlier than originally predicted).  Therefore to prevent food shortages, in the next 5 years agriculture needs to be activity supporting and implementing best practices.  This situation then sets up for agriculture and interesting situation with aspect to caring for our environment at the same time.  However agriculture has historically risen to this challenge, and by addressing this proactively, together we will be able to accomplish this goal.

Links that tie into this topic:
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/2010/01_12_2010.asp
http://www.qconline.com/progress99/1farm.shtml
http://www.worldometers.info/population/