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Korean war
As the Korean war started, soldiers needed food. Citizens rationed, and agricultural production increased -
USDA focused on agriculture research
The USDA established, the agricultural research service to focus it's research on a national scale -
Tractors
Tractors have become widely used at this point, increasing how much farmers can make. -
Diets change
T.V dinners were introduced, and became a huge hit. The first McDonald's franchise came soon after. -
The Agricultural act of 1954
Once the korean war ended, there was a huge surplus of cotton, corn, and wheat. This act redirected this surplus as foreign aid to US allies. -
Farm land increase
The average farm acreage increased; in 1950 the average was almost half it was of the land in 1955. -
Pesticides
The invention of modern pesticides greatly helped farmers overcome the challenges of pests and weeds. -
Increased cost for farming
The cost to keep a farm running increased from 1950-1956, late 40's early 50's it was around $6,000 to keep a farm running, in the late 50's it turned into more like $20,000. -
USDA research
The USDA had made many discoveries in 1960. Automated irrigation systems, livestock and plant diseases treated, and new plant varieties gave Americans cheaper and better produce. -
Women in FFA
in 1969, women were allowed to join and partake in the FFA -
The first earth day
As Americans became increasingly aware of pollution and the use of chemicals in agriculture, the first earth day promoted environmental friendliness. -
The creation of the EPA
In 1970, the environmental protection agency was created, This organization addressed the problems of pollution and pesticides in agriculture. This eventually lead to banning the pesticide DDT.