Farming

Farming Revision

Introduction

Farming, or agriculture, is the growing of crops and the raising of animals.

In the UK, many different crops are grown and a variety of animals are raised.

Farming is a primary industry

Farming operates as a system with Inputs, Processes & Outputs

Physical Inputs

Altitude

Temperature

Precipitation

Wind

Slope

Aspect

Soils

Human Inputs

Transport

Markets

Capital

Technology

Government Policies

Farm Size

Inheritance

Tenure of Farm

Farming in Britain

Relief, Climate & Farming Types in Britain

Types of Farming in Britain

Extensive

Intensive

Commercial

Subsistence

Arable

Pastoral

Market Gardening

Mixed

Hill farming

Crofting

Extensive

Intensive

Large scale farming with a

Low Yield : Large Area ratio

High Yield : Small Area ratio with high inputs of

capital & technology

Commercial

Farming is mainly for

profit

Subsistence

Usually on a small scale to

survive

Arable Farmin

g

Crop farming on relatively fertile soilArable Pastora

lMarket Gardening

Hill

Pastoral Farming

Animal farming such as dairy or sheep

Arable Pastoral

Market Gardening

Hill

Hill Farmi

ng

Sheep

Arable Pastoral

Market Gardening

Hill

Market GardeningVegetable, fruit or flowers produced close to market

Arable Pastoral

Market Gardening

Hill

Arable Pastoral

Market Gardening

Hill

Market Gardeni

ng

DIVERSIFICATION= is when farmers use their land and resources to make extra money.

Hill Sheep Farm of the Future

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The aim of the CAP is:

To develop agriculture in Europe into a more efficient and productive industry.

To ensure that farmers get a reasonable income (guaranteed prices)

To ensure there is enough food at a reasonable price.

What is the CAP?

Common Agricultural Policy The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was introduced after the Second World War. Europe wanted to be self sufficient in its provision of food. The CAP guaranteed farmers a price for their produce. This protected farmers from cheaper imports from outside of Europe. The CAP led to a huge surplus of food in Europe. Food mountains and lakes were created. In order to reduce these the EU introduced milk quotas and set-aside. As part of the Milk Quotas farmers are told how much milk they can produce. If farmers produce more than their quota they are fined. As part of the set-aside scheme farmers have to leave 10-15% of their land uncultivated they are awarded a grant from the EU.

What has been the impact of the CAP on the environment?

The CAP has had a significant impact on the environment · Hedgerows have been removed to increase field sizes to accommodate larger machinery and increase yields. This has led to increased soil erosion and a reduction in wildlife habitats. The increased use of fertilisers and pesticides has caused groundwater supplies to become contaminated. The increase in levels of nitrates in streams and rivers has caused the growth of algae and bacteria. This has reduced oxygen levels in rivers killing fish and insects.

The land is mostly pasture for cattle with a bit of crops. There are a lot of hilly areas which are good for sheep. The farmer gets paid for having set aside land. This farm is ideal for sheep and cattle as it has all the right attributes.

Much of the farm is mountainous and the steep slopes are only suitable for rough grazing for sheep. The wet and cloudy climate found in a mountainous area makes the farm unsuitable for growing cereals. Cereals are not grown due to the environment. The farmer grows some crops such as turnips to provide food for winter feed. The land use carried out on this farm relies heavily on EU subsidies.

FARMING PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

CREDIT2007 Q6 6ES2006 Q4(a) 6ES, Q4(b) 5ES2005 Q1(c) 4ES, Q6 6ES2004 Q1(e) 4ES, Q5(a) 6ES, Q5(b) 5ESGENERAL2007 Q1(g) 3ES, Q5(a) 4KU Q5(b) 3KU2006 Q6 4ES2005 Q1(c) 3ES, Q6 4ES2004 Q5 4ESFOUNDATION2007 Q1(d) 2ES2006 Q9(a) 3ES Q9(b) 1KU2005 Q1(b) 2ES, Q5(a) 2ES Q5(b) 2KU