National AG Day- A Look at Farming in the United States

March 21, 2023 marks National AG Day.

The Agriculture Council of America's goal is to increase awareness of the agriculture community's importance to the general public and society as a whole.

AGRICULTURE COUNCIL OF AMERICA (ACA)

The ACA is a non-profit organization made up of leaders within the agriculture sector, including food and fiber communities.

According to the ACA, the group believes every American should:

Understand how food and fiber products are produced
Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products
Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy
Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry

CROPS IN THE UNITED STATES

The United States is home to farms of many different crops, depending on the region and its weather.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are some of the country's top crops:

Corn and Other Feed Grains
Cotton
Fruit and Tree Nuts
Rice
Soybeans and Oil Crops
Sugar and Sweetners
Vegetables and Pulses
Wheat

FARMS AND LAND IN THE USA

Midland Radio took a look at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farms and Land Report of 2021, the latest report available.

According to the USDA, the number of farms in the United States in the year 2021 is down from 2020. The number of farms in 2021 was estimated to be 2,012,050. That decrease wa 6,950.

The USDA also reported that the total land in farms also decreased by 1,300,000 acres from 2020. In 2021, the average farm size was 445 acres. That's an increase from 2020, but only by one acre. Wyoming reported the largest average farm size in 2021, coming in at 2,377.

FARM INCOME

According to the USDA's December 2022 Farm Income Forecast, the most recent report available, net farm income, a comprehensive measure of profits, has seen an increase in the United States.

The net farm income was forecasted at $160.5 billion in 2022. That is a 13.8%. increase of $19.5 billion in 2022 compared to 2021.

The agriculture sector has seen increases for years- a 49.3% jump of $46.6 billion from 2020 to 2021.

FARMING DEMOGRAPHICS

About 11% of U.S. farmers are veterans or are currently serving in the military
Farm and ranch families make up less than 2% of the United States Population
Women account for up to 36% of all U.S. farm operators with 56% of all farms having at least one female that is a decision-maker
Since 2012, the number of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino farm operators is up 13% to 112,451
The number of black farm operators is also up 2% since 2012
25% of all farmers are beginning farmers (in business less than 10 years) with an average age of 46

These statistics are courtesy of the Farm Bureau

FARMING AND COMMUNICATION

Staying connected is key to efficiency on the farm.

Most farms have little to no cellphone service. However, those throughout the operation still need to be in constant communication. The coordination of semi trucks, sprayers, tractors, those in the field, etc. all comes down to reliable communication.

With two-way radios, communication is instant. Those working in the field don't have to wait for someone to answer a call or respond to a text message. Two-way radios bring push to talk communication to any vehicle or area of the farm.

Not only is communication important to efficiency, but two-way radios promote safety on the farm. Now, those in the field will be able to alert others of their location in an effort to avoid any accidents or seek help in case of an emergency. Most of Midland Radio's two-way radio also feature NOAA Weather Radio, giving farms the information and time to seek shelter if severe weather arrives.

TOP MIDLAND PRODUCTS FOR FARMING

Midland Radio makes a very of two-way radios that are designed to improve communication on the farm and ranch.

Here are some of Midland's favorite farming two-way radios.

Midland MXT500AGVP3 Farm Bundle

Power up the farm with Midland's MXT500. This GMRS two-way radio packs a punch as it's the highest-powered radio allowed by law. This is especially useful on large pieces of land like ranches and farms. The MXT500 and its 50 Watts of power ensures clear, crisp, and reliable communication.

Along with the MXT500, this bundle also includes the MXTA23 Roll Bar/Mirror Mounting Bracket, the MXTA24 Low Profile Antenna Cable, and the MXTA25 3dB Ghost Antenna. This is everything farmers need for a quick, seamless installation on the farm's vehicle.

Midland MXT115AGVPR Retro Farm Bundle

Easy to use and easy to install, the MXT115AGVPR Retro Farm Bundle brings seamless communication to any operation.

With the MXT115, farmers can push range further with 15 Watts of power. That's three times as powerful as traditional handheld two-way radios.

The bundle also includes the MXTA23 Roll Bar/Mirror Mounting Bracket, MXTA24 Low Profile Antenna Cable, and the MXTA25 3dB Ghost Antenna. With all of this in one bundle, farmers will be able to get communication up and running within minutes!

Midland Radio also knows farms can be loud environments. That's why this bundle is so unique- it includes Midland's Six Watt Retro External Speaker. It easily connects to your MicroMobile and takes volume to new levels that will ensure farmers don't miss a single message while out in the field.

ORMXT115VP MicroMobile®-GXT Bundle

With this bundle, you can take reliable communication in and out of the vehicle.

Fit with the MXT115, this bundle is sure to power up the farm with crystal clear radio reception that will transform efficiency on the farm. The MXT115 is easy to use and won't take up too much dash space in any vehicle.

The bundle also includes Midland's GMRS walkie talkies, the GXT1000s. Compatible with Midland's MicoMobiles, these handhelds allow those on the farm to move about without sacrificing powerful connection.

Midland's ORMXT115VP is sure to bring unprecedented efficiency to any operation.