Why the United States is the World’s No. One Agricultural Producer
Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to John Jay in 1785, in which he wrote, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, [and] they are tied to their country [and] wedded to its liberty [and] interests by the most lasting bonds.” Since Thomas Jefferson had enormous influence at this time, even though he was not yet President, it is reasonable to assume that his confidence in the American farmer helped encourage people to be farmers. His words certainly placed societal value on the farmers, prompting the society to preserve and protect its farmers as symbols of political and moral values.
With the birth of the agricultural colleges, successful agricultural techniques could be closely studied. Farmers could then learn the new technology, the best methods of growing crops and raising animals, and also invent new creative agricultural techniques. In 1862, the Morrill Land Grant College Act gave public land to each state for agricultural colleges. Scientists could then work to improve yields as well as study common problems in agriculture. The first Morrill Act led to the passing of other acts to improve agricultural education. To further agricultural research, “in 1887, the Hatch Act authorized establishment of agricultural experiment stations to expand research capabilities of the land-grant universities.” In 1890, the second Morrill Act added institutions for minorities. In 1914, the need to give this information to the public was realized, and so the Smith-Lever Act stated that it would “aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to agriculture and home economics.” The Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative Extension Service to provide agricultural information. “Through the Service, specialists and volunteers offer up-to-date information to help you make informed choices, answer your questions, and help you solve problems.” With all of this information so easily accessible, the farmers in the United States had an advantage over other farmers throughout the world.
Due to the many technological advances taking place here in the United States, it was possible to develop superior farming methods. The cotton gin was invented in 1793, which greatly sped up the process of taking the seeds out of cotton. The McCormick reaper was patented in 1834, which made cutting grain far easier. In 1837, John Deere invented the steel plow, which was superior to both the wooden plow and the iron plow. Another very important invention for agriculture was barbed wire. Barbed wire was invented “[i]n 1863 by Michael Kelly [who] developed a type of fence with points affixed to twisted strands of wire.” Unfortunately for Michael Kelly, he didn’t file a patent. In 1874, Joseph Glidden was awarded a patent for his perfected version of barbed wire. The barbed wire fence made better farming possible.
The animals, usually cattle, could be better controlled. The cattle also could not wander away to eat the farmer’s other crops. With so many improvements in technology for agriculture, the United States was able to take the lead as the number one agricultural producer in the world.
In conclusion, these three main factors greatly contributed to the United States reaching top status in the agrarian world. With the status given to farmers as moral citizens, it was desirable to be a farmer. Farmers were looked upon as great people, which encouraged people to study and improve farming practices. Due to the formation of agricultural colleges, which were given their land from land grants, research programs began. Since the ways of farming were studied closely, techniques were found to improve farming practices. Once the information was made public, it helped all farmers who made use of it. The many agricultural inventions also contributed to being able to produce more food and fibers faster. All of these factors greatly influenced the United States in becoming the leading agricultural producer in the world.
