How Farm Supply Stores Help Small Farms

In 1840, about 69% of the total labor force of the United States was farmers

. That means more than half of all Americans either owned a farm, or worked on one. By the year 1990, the percentage of the labor force composed of farmers dropped to about 2.6%. How is it, then, that we're producing more fruits, vegetables, and meat then ever, but using less and less farmers to do it?

The answer is the industrialization of agriculture. The work that was once performed by families is now performed by businesses or corporations. Thanks to new seeds, tractors, and other equipment, a small crew of workers can manage hundreds of acres of land. Everything possible is done to maximize outputs while lowering costs. While this was great for the owners of these large, industrialized farms, a lot of smaller farmers couldn't afford the land and equipment necessary to compete. This left a lot of avid farmers out of work.

All's not lost though, as farm equipment has become more available and affordable. Farm supply stores offer a variety of products that can help farmers be successful. Whether your retirement plan is to buy a ranch, or you're looking to make a career in farming, these ranch supply stores can provide you with almost everything you'll need.

Taking care of livestock is a tricky process, but it is made easier with the right equipment. If some of your cattle, pigs, or sheep aren't cared for properly, they could become ill or even die. Ranch supply stores provide feeding troughs to distribute food to animals. A major problem for livestock during the winter is the freezing of their water supply. This can be easily eliminated thanks to low-energy water heaters.

Watering crops is another part of farming that can be much more difficult without the right equipment. A farm supply store has all of the plumbing and sprinkler supplies to make a farmer's life so much easier. A sophisticated sprinkler system can be installed to provide the right amount of water for each individual crop.

Pests are a major threat to livestock. Rats, mice, and insects can help diseases spread and become rampant on your farm. After a visit to your feed and supply store, you may find only weeks later that mice have eaten up and contaminated that supply. Rat and mouse bait can be used to take care of rodents, and insecticide ear tags can thwart away any bugs from your cattle.

All of this equipment, along with a building interest in organic meat and produce, is helping small farmers carve themselves out a new nice.

by: Art Gib

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