Products & Technology for Every Farmer's Needs
The establishments in this sector are often described as farms, ranches, dairies, greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, or hatcheries. A farm may consist of a single tract of land or a number of separate tracts. One tract may be owned by the farm operator and another rented. It may be operated by the operator alone or with the assistance of members of the household or hired employees, or it may be operated by a partnership, corporation, etc. When a landowner has one or more tenants, renters, croppers, or managers, the land operated by each is considered a farm.
Agricultural support activities provided to farmers and ranchers on a contract basis, such as soil preparation and harvesting, are included in this industry. Mega Depot offers a myriad of instruments appropriate for crop and soil testing, harvesting, livestock corralling, and more to satisfy any rancher's needs.
The establishments primarily engaged in agricultural research and administering programs for regulating and conserving land, minerals, wildlife, and forest use are excluded from the Agriculture & Forestry sector.
Competitive Landscape
Demand is driven by agricultural policy programs, food consumption trends, and lumber demand. Profitability depends on efficient operations. Large companies have advantages in vertically integrated operations and economies of scale. Small operations can compete effectively by supplying local markets, specializing in heirloom, organic, or non-genetically modified (GM) crops, or raising animals in less restrictive environments on hormone-free diets.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major US crops include corn, soybeans, fruits and nuts, and wheat. Other major crops include vegetables and melons, cotton, and potatoes. Nearly 40% of all cropland farms focus on grain, oilseeds, or dry beans/peas; these farms account for 80% of all cropland revenue.
Forestry covers the management of forests in order to produce raw materials and use wood in a sustainable way.