Information Revolution
Agriculture
Agriculture’s importance in Tennessee’s economy continued to fall during this era, accounting for less than two percent of the gross state product.
In comparison, industry was at 29 percent and services at 69 percent.
In comparison, industry was at 29 percent and services at 69 percent.
In general, farms in this era are larger in size and fewer in number according to a survey done by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in 2007. This was attributed in part to the reduction of tobacco crops.
Once the state’s top cash crop, tobacco plantings had fallen drastically since the federal government quit paying price supports in 2005.
Many of the tobacco growers owned small farms, so when the federal money ended, they got out of the farming business all together. This caused an 80 percent drop in the number of farmers growing tobacco between 2002 and 2007.
Many of the tobacco growers owned small farms, so when the federal money ended, they got out of the farming business all together. This caused an 80 percent drop in the number of farmers growing tobacco between 2002 and 2007.
In this same period, the market value of crops produced in the state increased by 19 percent. The average farm in 2007 brought in 31 percent more money than in 2002.
Picture Credits:
- Photograph of a herd of goats. This photo was taken on the farm Popular Hill Acres in Wilson County, Tennessee. Courtesy of Glen and Joy Jones Beard, Popular Hill Acres, and Middle Tennessee State University
- Photograph featuring the logo for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Inside the photo are smaller inserts showing a bull, straw stored in a barn, as well as facilities for holding animals and food. Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Photograph of a chisel plow. This photo was taken in Tennessee in 2007 by photographer “AGlassDarkly.” It shows a chisel plow being used to cultivate a large field in preparation for planting. Flickr.com
- Photograph showing electronic cow tags. This photograph was taken in 2006 at Shipley’s Farm in Putnam County, Tennessee. It shows a farm student scanning the tags, which are attached to the cow’s ears, while the cow stands in a head gate. Tennessee Technological University
- Photograph of shoppers at the Chattanooga Market. This photo was taken in 2008 in Chattanooga. It shows a woman examining fresh produce. Other customers are also shown shopping in the background. Wikimedia.commons
- Photograph of a turnip farmer. This photo was taken in Dry Creek, Tennessee in 1978 or 1979. It shows Glen Taylor standing in a turnip field and holding two turnips in his hands. Tennessee State Museum Collection, 84.121.11
Information Revolution >> Information Age >> Doing Business >> Agriculture
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