What is Agricultural Surplus? Definition + Uses

definition of agricultural surplus

What is Agricultural Surplus? Definition + Uses

The term denotes the condition wherein agricultural production exceeds the needs of the society producing it. This excess output allows for the accumulation of reserves beyond immediate consumption requirements. As an illustration, a community growing substantially more grain than it requires for sustenance, with the remaining portion stored or traded, exemplifies this concept.

The presence of such excess yields numerous advantages, fostering societal development and specialization. It facilitates the support of non-agricultural populations, like artisans, merchants, and governing bodies, enabling the rise of complex civilizations. Historically, its emergence has correlated with population growth, urbanization, and the development of trade networks.

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9+ APUSH: Agricultural Adjustment Act Definition (Quick!)

agricultural adjustment act apush definition

9+ APUSH: Agricultural Adjustment Act Definition (Quick!)

The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a United States federal law enacted in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Its primary aim was to raise agricultural prices by reducing crop surpluses. The act paid farmers subsidies to reduce the production of certain crops and livestock. These subsidies were funded by a tax on companies that processed farm products. The goal was to increase farmers’ income by limiting supply and driving up demand. For example, cotton farmers were paid to plow under existing crops, and hog farmers were compensated for slaughtering portions of their livestock.

This legislation holds significance because it represented a major intervention by the federal government into the agricultural sector. Prior to the AAA, the government played a less direct role in regulating farm production and prices. The act sought to alleviate the economic hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression, who were struggling with low prices and overproduction. While the AAA did achieve some success in raising farm incomes, it also faced criticism for destroying crops and livestock at a time when many Americans were suffering from hunger. Moreover, the initial version of the act was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1936.

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9+ What is Agricultural Density? A Definition!

definition of agricultural density

9+ What is Agricultural Density? A Definition!

The measurement of the number of farmers per unit area of arable land is a key indicator in understanding the relationship between population and agricultural resources. It reflects the pressure placed on available land to support a farming population. For instance, a region with a high figure indicates that many farmers are working on a relatively small amount of cultivable land, potentially leading to intensive farming practices. Conversely, a low value may suggest more efficient agricultural techniques or a smaller proportion of the population engaged in farming.

This metric is significant because it provides insights into the efficiency of agricultural practices, the level of development of a region, and the potential for agricultural sustainability. Historically, areas with high figures often experienced challenges in food production and economic development. Understanding this relationship allows policymakers and researchers to assess resource allocation, identify areas vulnerable to food insecurity, and develop strategies for sustainable agricultural development. It can also reveal the impact of technological advancements on agricultural labor.

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8+ Defining the Second Agricultural Revolution: AP Human Geo

second agricultural revolution ap human geography definition

8+ Defining the Second Agricultural Revolution: AP Human Geo

The term refers to a period of significant advancements in agricultural practices that occurred primarily in Western Europe between the 17th and 19th centuries. These advancements included innovations in farming techniques, such as crop rotation (e.g., the Norfolk four-course system), selective breeding of livestock, and the introduction of new technologies like the seed drill. It resulted in increased agricultural output and efficiency. For example, the improved yields and reduced labor needs allowed for fewer farmers to produce more food, which in turn supported a growing population.

The impact of this period was profound. It played a crucial role in fueling the Industrial Revolution by providing a surplus of food and labor. Increased food production supported urban population growth, while the reduced demand for agricultural labor led to a migration of workers from rural areas to cities, providing a workforce for factories. The innovations during this time also led to increased trade and economic development. Understanding this period provides key insights into population dynamics, economic shifts, and the rise of industrial societies.

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AP Human Geo: The Second Agricultural Revolution Definition+

second agricultural revolution definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: The Second Agricultural Revolution Definition+

The period marked by significant advancements in agricultural practices, occurring primarily in Western Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, is a pivotal moment in human history. This transformation involved innovations like the improved yoke for plowing, the introduction of new crops such as the potato, and the implementation of crop rotation techniques like the Norfolk four-course system. These developments led to increased agricultural output and efficiency, laying the groundwork for significant societal shifts.

This era of agricultural progress was instrumental in supporting population growth and urbanization. By producing more food with less labor, a surplus was created that allowed people to migrate from rural areas to urban centers, fueling the Industrial Revolution. The enhanced food supply also contributed to improved nutrition and overall health, further boosting demographic expansion. Its legacy is evident in the modern agricultural landscape and the distribution of populations across the globe.

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9+ Third Agricultural Revolution Definition Facts

third agricultural revolution definition

9+ Third Agricultural Revolution Definition Facts

The term designates a significant transformation in agricultural practices that began in the mid-20th century. It encompasses a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that dramatically increased agricultural production worldwide, particularly in developing nations. A core component involved the development and dissemination of high-yielding varieties of crops, alongside the increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. For example, the introduction of semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties in Asia significantly boosted grain production, alleviating food shortages and contributing to economic development in countries like India and the Philippines.

This agricultural shift proved pivotal in preventing widespread famine and improving food security for millions. Enhanced crop yields allowed nations to become more self-sufficient in food production, reducing their dependence on imports. Furthermore, the increased agricultural output contributed to economic growth by generating surplus for export and providing opportunities for rural employment. The historical context highlights that this transformative period built upon previous agricultural advancements, leveraging scientific innovations to address the challenges of a growing global population and limited arable land. It offered solutions to the impending crisis of hunger with technologically advanced solutions.

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9+ Best: Definition of Agricultural Adjustment Act Explained

definition of agricultural adjustment act

9+ Best: Definition of Agricultural Adjustment Act Explained

This legislation, enacted in the United States during the Great Depression, represented a significant intervention by the federal government into the agricultural sector. Its core aim was to stabilize farm prices and boost the income of farmers by reducing crop surpluses. Mechanisms employed included paying farmers to reduce acreage and livestock production, thereby artificially increasing demand and price levels. Specific commodities targeted encompassed cotton, wheat, tobacco, and dairy products, among others.

The significance of this act lies in its attempt to address the economic hardship faced by agricultural producers during a period of widespread economic downturn. By limiting supply, the initiative sought to alleviate the downward pressure on prices that had devastated farm incomes. The historical context reveals a shift in the relationship between the government and the agricultural industry, establishing a precedent for federal involvement in managing agricultural production and markets. This intervention aimed to prevent widespread farm foreclosures and maintain the economic viability of rural communities.

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8+ AAA: Agricultural Adjustment Act US History Definition & More

agricultural adjustment act us history definition

8+ AAA: Agricultural Adjustment Act US History Definition & More

The primary legislative response to the economic crisis facing American farmers during the Great Depression was a set of federal statutes designed to regulate agricultural production and stabilize prices. These laws aimed to alleviate the overproduction and subsequent deflation that plagued the agricultural sector in the early 1930s. One key element involved government subsidies paid to farmers in exchange for limiting their crop acreage or livestock production. The underlying goal was to reduce supply and thereby increase market prices for agricultural commodities.

The significance of this intervention lies in its unprecedented scale of government involvement in agricultural markets. By actively managing production levels, the federal government sought to mitigate the volatility that had characterized the sector and provide a more stable economic environment for farmers. Historically, these measures represented a major shift away from laissez-faire economics towards a more interventionist approach, setting a precedent for future agricultural policy and demonstrating the government’s willingness to address economic hardship through direct intervention.

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9+ Ag Marketing Act APUSH: Key Definition & Impact

agricultural marketing act apush definition

9+ Ag Marketing Act APUSH: Key Definition & Impact

The Agricultural Marketing Act, enacted in 1929, was a legislative initiative designed to stabilize farm prices and promote cooperative marketing. It established the Federal Farm Board with a substantial revolving fund to provide loans to agricultural cooperatives, enabling them to manage surpluses and market their products more effectively. This aimed to minimize price fluctuations caused by overproduction, a persistent problem for farmers in the 1920s. These loans helped cooperatives purchase, store, and market agricultural commodities, intending to create more orderly marketing conditions.

This federal action was significant as a response to the economic hardships faced by American farmers following World War I. It represented an early attempt by the government to intervene directly in the agricultural sector to alleviate economic distress. Although the Act ultimately failed to achieve its goals of sustained price stabilization, due in part to the onset of the Great Depression and the limitations of the Federal Farm Board’s authority, it marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and agriculture. It highlighted the growing recognition of the need for federal intervention in managing agricultural markets and laid some of the groundwork for later, more comprehensive New Deal agricultural programs.

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6+ AP Human Geo: Agricultural Density Definition & More

agricultural density definition ap human geography

6+ AP Human Geo: Agricultural Density Definition & More

The measure of farmers per unit area of arable land serves as a key indicator in population geography. This metric reflects the pressure a population exerts on agricultural resources. A high value suggests a greater strain on available land, potentially leading to less efficient farming practices or food scarcity. For instance, a region with a small amount of cultivated land supporting a large number of farmers exhibits a high value.

Understanding this calculation is crucial for analyzing the efficiency of agricultural production and assessing the standard of living within a region. It offers insights into the level of technological advancement in agriculture, the intensity of land use, and the potential for agricultural innovation. Historically, areas with high readings have often faced challenges in providing sufficient food for their populations, leading to migration or adoption of new farming techniques.

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