US farming efficiency achieves new heights since '48

Mar 06, 2024

By Farms.com

The landscape of US agriculture has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1948, with farm output nearly tripling by 2021. This extraordinary growth, documented in a report by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS), highlights the critical role of technological and genetic innovations in achieving unprecedented levels of productivity and efficiency.

With an average annual productivity growth of 1.46% over 73 years, the US agricultural sector has benefited from a decrease in overall input usage by 2.0%, underscoring an increase in production efficiency rather than merely an increase in resource utilization. Advancements in crop genetics, chemical applications, and farming equipment have been instrumental in this development, along with improvements in farm organization.

The concept of total factor productivity (TFP) has been key in measuring these achievements. TFP accounts for the output produced from all inputs, reflecting the industry's success in enhancing production efficiency and quality.

The report credits a combination of on-farm innovations, structural changes in the farm sector, and focused research efforts for the sustained growth in agricultural productivity. Despite challenges posed by variables such as weather, the USDA ERS report affirms the positive trajectory of US agriculture, driven by continuous innovation and an unwavering commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

This narrative of growth and innovation serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the US agricultural sector, showcasing its vital contribution to the economy and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for global agriculture.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.