Sustainability is increasing
Alison McGrew 20, Writer for Illinois Farm Families, “3 Myths About Sustainable Agriculture”, March 2020, https://www.watchusgrow.org/2020/03/02/3-myths-about-sustainable-agriculture/
Myth #1: Today’s farms are less sustainable than they used to be.
Fact: Simply put, farmers today are doing more with less. Here are a few examples:
Compared to 1977, today’s beef farmers produce the same amount of beef with 33% fewer cattle.
Pig farms now use 75.9% less land than in 1960.
Over the last 40 years, soybean farmers have nearly doubled how much they grow while using 8% less energy.
Dairy farmers have reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 63% over the past 60 years.
Corn farmers have increased yields while reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, thanks in part to biotechnology.
Sustainable agriculture may look different on each farm, but the goal is always the same: make the farm better for tomorrow and for future generations while providing a safe, sustainable food supply.