The Truth Behind the American Big Farming Industry’s Size

Are you ready for the truth about the modern American big farming industry? In an environmental-focused world, established yet evolving industries like agriculture are unfairly dismissed, especially when playing such a crucial role. In today's world, farmers must produce enough food to feed the rest of the population as more and more people pursue other professions. By 2016, each farmer was feeding 164 people per year.

Yet the specialization and advancement of agriculture has led to a new idea of agriculture, which is encompassed by the misleading term Big Ag. The so-called “Big Ag” is unfairly seen as a negative, corrupt industry. Big Ag is envisioned as a series of large yet cramped farms that create low-quality food products. But that’s not true.

Big Ag feeds farmers and everyone not in the agriculture industry.

The Modern American Big Farming Industry Past and Present

In the late 18th century, about 90% of Americans lived on farms, producing foods or products for themselves. It is approximately 1% today, with more pressure on the remaining farmers to produce for those who no longer work in agriculture. With fewer people working in agriculture today despite an increasing population, America’s farmers must increase production to keep up with demand.

According to the USDA, agriculture and its related industries, like food service or apparel, contributed $1.109 trillion to the US gross domestic production (GDP) in 2019, with the output of American farms contributing to $136.1 billion of that total. As of 2020, agriculture and its related industries provided 10.3% of US employment or 19.7 million full—and part-time jobs. On-farm employment accounted for about 2.6 million of these jobs or 1.4% of US employment.

Agriculture is a big industry, with other industries depending on it. Food is necessary to live. Further, food products and byproducts can be used for other necessities we need. The growth of the US agricultural industry is a must to fulfill the needs of such a large population.

Despite its large task, the modern agriculture industry is often portrayed in a negative light. This month, we will examine different arguments against the Big Ag myth and bust those claims. Look for our post regarding examining animal care.

Some of the best lessons about dairy happen when agriculture comes directly into the classroom. Local partners from 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau, and other agricultural organizations help students connect what they eat and drink every day to the farms and people behind it. Dairy Farmers and local ag educators were asked to share how they bring dairy to life for students, the farm facts kids love most, and their advice for helping the next generation learn more about dairy.