Sustainable Societies Great Plains

Agriculture

Agriculture has traditionally been a mainstay of the Great Plains economy. Technological innovations have allowed farmers to increase crop yields of corn and wheat by more than 400% in the past 50 years, providing economic growth while at the same time driving increases in average farm sizes. Ecologically, the heavy application of fertilizers and pesticides is a major concern. Farming is inherently a high-risk activity and government agricultural policy and world markets also impact the industry directly, leading to questions about its long-term economic sustainability. Forward looking approaches to farming in the Great Plains emphasize ecologically friendly cultivation technology and careful management making use of scientific and market data to maximize profits.