There have been so many changes in farming since the early 1990’s that many of the old techniques and methods for food production have been dying out. No longer do we plough with animals, neither do we sow seeds by hand, but does this mean the days of traditional farming are numbered? Will we soon replace people with machines altogether? Have I been watching too many Terminator films? Quite possibly, but throughout the course of this article, we’ll take a look at how farming could change in the future, and discuss what implications the changes might have for the consumer.
Don’t misunderstand the point here, there are, obviously, many countries in the world where family owned farms still provide communities with the food they need, but those places are becoming fewer and farther between. Also, it seems possible for traditional farmers to alter their techniques, but still hold on to the values their ancestors held dear. For instance, if they need to install new agricultural pipes in their farms, they may consider using new thread protectors to protect and preserve the quality of the pipes.
Renewable Energy
While experts still expect farmers to produce food, their most significant earnings could come from the production of renewable energy. At the end of the day, those fields could be filled with wind turbines and solar panels whilst still growing crops. Not only does this mean the farmer would become self sufficient, but it also means he/she would receive significant payments every year for their contribution to the national grid.
“Green” Machines
Most farmers use tractors, different kinds of mower and combined harvesters with diesel powered engines. In the future, we expect to see a Manure Separation Equipment Retailer and many other agricultural equipment suppliers like Tow and Farm stocking vehicles and farm-related machinery tailored more towards the green market. In thirty years time, the sun and wind could be powering everything you see on a traditional farm. After all, they’re areas for creation, not for destruction, so this makes perfect sense.
Fewer Animals
It’s a terrible truth, but once GMOs have been approved for production and sale in your home country, the chances of farmers being able to compete are very slim indeed. The problem is, these foodstuffs have been patented, which means you can’t simply go out and start producing them unless you’re happy to go to court. Imagine that; a situation where growing a certain type of tomato could land you in jail? This is madness.
From all that information, you should be able to see that farming looks set to change dramatically over the next few years. No doubt some will fail, but those who’re savvy and smart enough to move with the times and adopt new technology could ride the food production wave a little longer than most. Sadly, farming as we knew it for hundreds of years up until the millennium is slowly disappearing, and there seems to be very little anyone can do about it. For farming concerns, check out California agricultural investment management.
So, what do you think about the reality our farmers now face? Should they protest GMOs and aim to keep their traditional techniques?
Answers on a postcard!
