Farming Then and Now
Abraham Lincoln created the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862. At that time about 90 out of every 100 Americans were farmers. Today, that number has
shrunk to just 2 out of every 100 Americans.
Still the motto of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the same today as it was nearly 150
years ago. Across the bottom of the official USDA seal, are the words
"Agriculture is the foundation of manufacture and commerce."
Today it doesn't take as many people to work on farms as it once did.
In the early 20th century, farms were more diverse than today. Most farmers raised lots of 
different crops and cared for many varied animals. Farmers planted corn, oats, wheat and barley, and raised cattle and hogs.
Women planted large gardens of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, pumpkins, beans and radishes. They also cared for chickens and
sold eggs.
Throughout the 20th century, as machinery developed, farms began to grow bigger.
As they got bigger, they also tended to become less diverse.
Today's Farmer
Being a successful farmer today requires knowledge of advanced technology, educational preparation and business skills. Many
farmers learn about the business and practice of agriculture through a training program at a college or university.
