4.4.10.D--+Efforts+of+increased+efficiency+in+agriculture+through+technology

**Increased Efficiency through Technology**


 * Compare various technological advancements and analyze each for its contribution toward labor and cost efficiency:**


 * A major technological advancement in agriculture was the use of tractors. Tractors from the begining was a much easier answer to plowing fields both for the farmers and the workers. As time progresses the more and more efficient and advanced the tractors become. Many now are starting to become equipped with GPS which can help in knowing where the most moist soil is, the slope of the land that the crops are growing in and even where certain crops begin and start due to the complexity of the software. They also can have lighting on the tractors so that farmers can work at all hours and what times are convenient for them.
 * Another major advancement in agriculture is the use of computer software in monitering the different amounts that each of their animals can produce as well as moniter their health records. A farmer can implant a small chip in a part of an animal and it can record many things such as its production of milk (in cows) and healthiness in the animals. Computer chips also can help with knowing the weather conditions. For instance if solar power is used chips can be installed and be able to tell what the weather is like, how much precipitaion and even how moist the soil is in some places.
 * Another advancement in agricultural technology is the use of computers and the internet by many farms and farmers. The more information that is used on the internet the more helpful it can be by learning information about crops, growing conditions and getting help from other farmers in times of need. They can also keep in touch with other farmers and suppliers in which they supply goods for. The computers also help in the way of allowing the gathering of statistics and information of money management on their farms. The farmers can use the software on computers to help keep track of money spent and gained from their products and also how much of certain goods are necessary to produce and be sent out.



Technology has greatly increased the way that agriculture works in society. The technology we use increases production rates, decreases the amount of time needed to complete certain tasks, and also, is easier on the consumers. It plays a very large role in the way we live our lives. The farming world has changed drastically from 1940 to 1998. In that 58 year time period the average farm size as well as the number of farms have been altered due to the increased technology. The average farm size in the 1940's was 135 acres and there were about 6.1 million farms but in the year of 1998 the average farm size was 469 acres and consisted of about 2 million farms. The changes are all noticed by society and the govnerment as well. The more complex technology gets the more knowledge people need about it. This requires time and money to educate farmers and nonfarmers how to use the new technology and how it could help them and make their way of life easier. The USDA has recently created a goal to keep people updated with recent agricultural changes. They have noticed that agricultural technology is changing the way we process, produce and distribute food to society.