Extensive Commercial Farming

Extensive Commercial Farming - Case study: Great Plains of North America

The most characteristic of this farming type though are the Great Plains of North America (Canada and USA).

Inputs

Commercial farming depends on good transport and marketing organisation to distribute the produce. This type of agriculture involves the use of a small labour force, a high degree of mechanisation and a large farm - so it is capital intensive. Scientific and technological advances are used for example chemicals. Water is regulated so that maximum yields are obtained without damaging the soil or lowering its fertility. Most of the produce, if not all, is sold for cash.

Land

An extensive area of flat or gently undulating land is required. The soil must be deep and fertile, but can and is enhanced using fertilisers. The typical soil type is a Chernozem which is black and humus rich, and good at conserving moisture and binding soil in the dry climate. The crops are often grown in monoculture, meaning only one crop, and there is no need for fences to mark field boundaries .Grain silos or elevators are a common feature of the landscape, where the grain is stored before transport.

Climate

Moderate temperatures and rainfall is required as the crops cannot withstand extremes of either. Long, sunny summer days help to ripen crops whilst winter snow helps to insulate the ground, allowing early planting. Intense winter frosts kill off pests and plant diseases, and break the soil into fine crumbs, making it easier to work. In the USA warm winds from the Rocky Mountains (Chinook) rapidly melts the snow. There tends to be a six month growing season that varies depending on latitude. Cattle-ranching is not so dependent on climatic conditions, which is why this occurs in the drier parts of these regions.

Technology

Technology in the form of machinery is used extensively. There is high investment, it is high tech and modern e.g. combine harvesters. Irrigation systems are also employed to...