Agriculture is the practice and science of cultivating land and raising crops, animals and fungi to sustain human life. Agriculture is practiced for a variety of purposes including raising animals and crops for food, textiles, fiber and biofuel. The terms "farming" and "agriculture" are closely related.
Agricultural practices first arose 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. At that time, humans began developing and implementing irrigation, domestication, crop rotation and fertilization. During the Middle Ages, Muslims greatly expanded upon these practices by developing farming machines, writing farming manuals, and bringing crops to Europe. With the advent of steam power and pragmatic farming techniques, the Industrial Revolution expanded the size, scope, technology and productivity of farms. This paved the way for major strides in agricultural advancement in the 19th and 20th centuries.
About 2 million people now farm or ranch in the U.S., working on average 200 days per year. As time has passed since the Green Revolution of the mid- to late 1900s, sustainable farming practices have been emphasized and implemented more and more. (Photo: Shutterstock)
13 amazing antics of ants
August 23, 2018, 1:48 p.m. by Russell McLendon
Picnic plunder is just one of ants' many talents.
New Zealand's crazy avocado crime wave
August 16, 2018, 11:04 a.m. by Matt Hickman
This is the downside of trendy foods.
There's glyphosate in our food system — so now what?
August 15, 2018, 10:47 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
The weed killer keeps showing up in food, but the safety issues are confusing.
Americans use less water than they did in 1970
June 25, 2018, 10:35 a.m. by Russell McLendon
U.S. water usage is at a 45-year low, according to a new government report. But is that low enough?
Why vanilla prices have gone nuts
June 18, 2018, 2:09 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
The crop is getting hammered by low yields, climate change, speculation and theft.
'Rebel' farmers launch second organic label
June 4, 2018, 2:22 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
New label will certify foods grown in soil and animal products from pastured animals — while excluding others.
The dark side of the trendy avocado
May 25, 2018, 11:59 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
Our love of guacamole is leaving Chilean villagers without water.
Cheerios has a free, beautiful way for you to help save the bees
March 16, 2018, 10:37 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
Company continues seed giveaway despite pushback.
Want a cider apple orchard? Here's what to plant
March 9, 2018, 2:33 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
With a little help from a famous seventh-generation orchardist, I narrow down some of the best varieties to plant for a backyard orchard.
New research suggests GMO corn produces higher yields
March 5, 2018, 2:01 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Data from 76 published peer-reviewed studies offers compelling reasons to keep an open mind about GMOs.
How to fight climate change with what you eat
December 5, 2017, 11:08 a.m. by Sami Grover
You hear a lot about what not to eat. This is different.
10 of the country's best state and county fairs
October 31, 2017, 1:41 p.m. by Josh Lew
Demolition derbies, pig shows, rides and fried everything await.
-
Your 2018 fall foliage guide
Now you know the best time to be a 'leaf peeper' in any part of the U.S.
-
Why do leaves change color in autumn?
Learn about the natural mechanisms that produce breathtaking fall foliage each year.
-
Test your fall knowledge
The days are getting shorter and pumpkin spice seems to be everywhere: It must be fall.
-
10 best places outside the U.S. for fall color
These places around the world that equal U.S. locales when it comes to colorful scenery.
-
5 classic fall recipes
Roasted veggies and soups of all kinds are what we're talking about.
Flipboard
