America’s First Industry: The Past, Present, and Future of Agriculture

Conventional Farming

Conventional farming in the United States dates back to the early 20th century. Industrialization, continuous farming, and methods such as monocropping led to a depletion of nutrients in the soil. This form of farming began using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to address concerns regarding soil fertility, low yields, and a decrease in the workforce. Synthetic fertilizers, whose main components are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are used to provide lost soil nutrients. Pesticides were introduced to protect crops from pests, weeds, and diseases that could further reduce the yield. Moreover, GMOs were developed to improve crop resilience to pests and drought while enhancing their productivity. The advancements in industrial farming through scientific methods also contributed to a reduced dependence on manual labor. According to the 1880 census, 49% of workers in the U.S. were farmers, a decrease from 90% in 1862. This number continued to decline, reaching 30% of an approximately 32 million population in 1920, as young people migrated to cities. Today, the percentage of farmers in the workforce is less than 2%.

Pros and Cons of Conventional Farming

Conventional farming remains the most popular form of agriculture in the United States. In 2021, 17,445 farms out of an estimated 2.01 million were certified organic. The reason for this is that conventional farming continues to be effective. In 2023, the U.S. had 1.89 million farms generating $267.4 billion in cash crop receipts, with corn and soybeans making up nearly half (49.4%) of the total. The livestock sector brought in $249.6 billion, with cattle and calves accounting for 40.5% and poultry and eggs contributing 26.9%. Large-scale agricultural operations utilizing modern machinery can produce higher yields without long fallow periods using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs, while minimizing the overhead cost of labor and creating food security at a lower cost to the consumer. However, the cost of this efficiency comes with risks. The reliance on synthetic chemicals and monocropping reduces biodiversity, degrades soil nutrients, causes chemical runoff that can contaminate water sources, and potentially long-term health concerns for humans and wildlife. While these methods increase short-term productivity and provide food for our nation at a reasonable cost, they also raise unanswered questions about the long-term impact on our health and the environment.

Organic Farming

Adam Deakin

Organic farming in the United States began gaining traction in the 1940s through J.I. Rodale, founder of the Rodale Institute, and other environmental advocates, in response to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional farming. This form of agriculture avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), instead relying on natural methods to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and sustain yields. Practices such as crop rotation to enhance the variety of root structures for soil fertility; planting cover crops (e.g., crimson clover, black-eyed peas, and hairy vetch) to retain moisture, prevent erosion, help eradicate weeds, and attract pollinators; using a no-till or reduced tilling system to protect root networks; and fertilizing the soil with nitrogen-rich animal manure or food scraps are central to this approach.

Organic farming is gaining attention as a means to support market trends. Live Water Properties Broker Adam Deakin noted, “Both investors and farmers are looking to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for organic products and there’s a premium to be had. If someone is looking to distinguish themselves in a market, organic is a great way to do so, particularly if they are vertically integrated.” The ability to process, label, and distribute organic products allows producers to sell directly to major retailers, taking advantage of nice market potential. “Anderson Ranch is an example of an organic farm that geographically sets itself apart
from other farms with its complete isolation, offering both natural pest control and a buffer from contaminants.”

Pros and Cons of Organic Farming

Organic farming relies on natural methods that have a reduced environmental impact. With the prohibited use of antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, agricultural production tends to have a lesser impact on the welfare of animals, human health, and the environment. Conversely, organic farming requires a higher workforce and more land, which can lead to further deforestation while producing lower yields that have a shorter shelf life and higher cost to the consumer. Furthermore, the transition process to become a certified organic farm is strenuous. Producers must undergo a three-year transition period where no unauthorized fertilizers or pesticides have been applied to the land while investing money and resources into rebuilding soil health, managing pests, and improving animal well-being. After the transition is completed, an Organic System Plan must be implemented and submitted to a USDA-accredited certifier, which can take three to six months to be approved.

The Future

Farmers and ranchers have been the backbone of the United States since its inception, adapting to scientific and technological advancements, economic pressures, and environmental concerns. While respecting and maintaining the land’s agricultural heritage, Live Water strives to preserve and enhance agricultural land as changes in ownership take place. Conventional farming has established food security in our nation through highly efficient methods, but raises concerns related to sustainability and environmental impact. Meanwhile, organic farming has the potential to reduce environmental impact but comes with a higher cost to consumers and financial barriers for small-scale farmers. As we continue to grow and evolve as a nation, there is hope to find a balance between the two methods to create a better and more stable future for farmers, ranchers, and the American people.