Alabama Agriculture

​Importance of Ag

Why is agriculture important? It helps sustain life by providing the food we need to survive. It also contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy. Despite agriculture's importance, the Economic Policy Institute reports that farmworkers are among the lowest-paid workers in the U.S.

​Source: https://online.maryville.edu/blog/why-is-agriculture-important/

​This cart below shows three ways agriculture is important.

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Alabama Agriculture Facts

1. Farmland covers 28% of the state.

2. Poultry processing directly employs 22,562 people.

3. The average farm size in Alabama is 186 acres.

4. Alabama ranks third nationally for sod production.

5. Roughly 71% of Alabama's forests are privately owned.

6. There are 100 acres of commercial satsumas produced in Alabama.

7. Most commercial aquaculture production is found in only seven counties.

​These products are.....

Poultry
Cattle and Calves
Green house and Nursery
Cotton
Soybeans

​Source: https://farmflavor.com/alabama-agriculture/

Dothan Alabama is known as the "PEANUT CAPITOL OF THE WORLD"! Alabama is one of the top peanut-producing states in the country, harvesting on average approximately 400 million pounds of peanuts annually, which generates more than $200 million per year for the Alabama economy.

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​Peanuts

​Source: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/peanut-production-in-alabama/

​Agricultural programs

FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H are both great groups for kids and teens to be apart of! They both offer so much. They'll help you find your passion for AG! ***FFA is a dynamic youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

We are Alabama FFA and we are here to serve our state's future workforce.***

​​Source: https://alabamaffa.org/ (Only the text that is within the stars.) ***

​What is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the broad term for everything that goes into growing crops and raising animals, to provide food and materials that people can use and enjoy. Farming, which involves cultivating the land and raising livestock, is one part of agriculture, which also includes plant science.

​Source: https://realfarmlives.ca/what-is-agriculture/

​Agriculture Colleges

Auburn University is the best Agriculture college in Alabama. ***Finding sustainable food and energy sources for billions of people is a massive job. But at the Auburn University College of Agriculture, it’s our work — and it’s what brings us here every day. At the Auburn University College of Agriculture, we address world-shaping issues in health, food safety, sustainability, clean energy, technology, community development, animal welfare and more.***

​Source: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/about/ (Only the text that is within the stars.) ***

​What is the most common type of farm in AL?

In addition to cotton, farmers often raise livestock, usually a cow and calf operation in which the yearlings are sold to feedlots in other parts of the United States. Some farmers also rotate cotton with corn, soybeans, or peanuts.

​Source:https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/agriculture-in-alabama-2/

​What is the USDA?

We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

We have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

Our strategic goals serve as a roadmap for the Department to help ensure we achieve our mission and implement our vision.

​Source:https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-usda