What is the fundamental definition of a farmer?

A farmer is defined as an individual engaged in agriculture, which involves the practice of raising living organisms for the purpose of obtaining food or raw materials.

What specific agricultural activities are typically associated with the role of a farmer?

The term farmer typically encompasses individuals who undertake a combination of activities such as cultivating field crops, managing orchards and vineyards, raising poultry, or tending to livestock.

How might a farmer's relationship with farmland differ?

A farmer might either own the farmland they cultivate or work as a laborer on land that belongs to someone else.

How is the role of a farmer generally understood in developed economies compared to older definitions?

In most developed economies, a farmer is commonly understood as a farm owner or landowner, with employees referred to as farm workers. However, older definitions describe a farmer more broadly as someone who actively promotes the growth of plants or raises animals through dedicated labor and attention.

What is the global distribution and impact of smallholder farmers?

Smallholder farmers constitute over half a billion individuals worldwide, predominantly located in developing countries, and they provide economic support for nearly two billion people.

What is the representation of women in agricultural employment globally?

Women play a significant role in agriculture, making up more than 40% of all agricultural employees worldwide.

When did farming emerge as a significant human activity, and what era is it associated with?

Farming dates back to the Neolithic period and is considered one of the defining characteristics of that era.

What advancements in agriculture were present in Sumer around 5000-4000 BCE?

By 5000-4000 BCE, the Sumerians had developed a specialized labor force for agriculture and relied heavily on irrigation systems for growing crops, utilizing three-person teams for harvesting.

How did farmers in Ancient Egypt manage their agricultural practices?

Farmers in Ancient Egypt cultivated their lands by utilizing the water from the Nile River for irrigation.

What does the image of Afghani farmers learning about greenhouses illustrate?

The image shows Afghani farmers receiving instruction on the use of greenhouses, demonstrating the adoption of modern agricultural technologies in different regions.

How has the productivity of individual farmers changed significantly in the United States?

In the 1930s, a single farmer in the US could produce enough food to feed only three other consumers. Today, a modern farmer can produce enough food to feed well over a hundred people.

What is a potential criticism regarding the estimated number of people a modern farmer can feed?

Some experts argue that the estimate of a modern farmer feeding over a hundred people is flawed because it does not account for the energy and resources required for farming, which are supplied by additional workers. This suggests the actual ratio of people fed per farmer might be lower.

What are the distinct terms used for farmers who specialize in raising grazing livestock?

Farmers who primarily raise grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses are commonly referred to as ranchers in the United States, graziers in Australia and the UK, or simply stockmen.

What specific titles are given to farmers who focus on particular types of livestock?

Farmers concentrating on sheep, goats, and cattle may be specifically called shepherds, goatherds, and cowherds, respectively.

What distinguishes a dairy farmer from a poultry farmer?

A dairy farmer's main focus is milk production from animals like cattle, goats, or sheep, whereas a poultry farmer concentrates on raising birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese for meat, eggs, or feathers.

What is the role of a truck farmer or market gardener?

A truck farmer or market gardener is a person who cultivates and sells a variety of vegetables, typically for market.

What does the colloquial American term dirt farmer signify?

The term dirt farmer is an informal American expression used to describe a practical farmer or someone who cultivates their own land.

How is a farmer typically defined in developed nations concerning land and management?

In developed nations, a farmer is generally defined as an individual who possesses an ownership interest in crops or livestock and contributes land or management to their production.

What are sharecroppers or sharefarmers?

Sharecroppers, also known as sharefarmers, are individuals who manage farmland for a landowner who is not present, receiving a portion of the harvest or profits in return.

How is the term farmer broadly interpreted within the agribusiness sector?

Within agribusiness, the definition of a farmer is quite broad, allowing many individuals who may not be full-time farmers to legally qualify for various agricultural subsidies, incentives, and tax deductions.

What type of agricultural system is commonly practiced by farmers in developing nations or pre-industrial societies?

In developing nations or pre-industrial cultures, most farmers engage in subsistence agriculture, which is a basic organic farming system designed to meet the immediate needs of the household or community.

What traditional techniques are often utilized in subsistence agriculture?

Subsistence agriculture frequently employs techniques such as crop rotation, saving seeds, and slash-and-burn methods to maximize efficiency while fulfilling the community's or household's needs.

How might someone practicing traditional farming methods be viewed in developed countries?

In developed nations, an individual using traditional farming techniques on small plots of land might be considered a gardener or a hobbyist rather than a farmer.

What factors might lead individuals in developed nations to adopt subsistence farming practices?

Individuals in developed nations might resort to subsistence farming due to poverty or, conversely, might become organic farmers catering to niche local food markets, especially in contrast to large-scale agribusiness operations.

What does the image of the Farming is a public service shirt convey?

The shirt displayed in the image communicates the message that farming is a public service, emphasizing its importance to society.

What is 4-H, and who are its primary participants?

4-H is a U.S.-based youth organization established in 1902, which involves approximately 6.5 million members between the ages of 5 and 21. It is managed by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the United States Department of Agriculture.

When was the National FFA Organization established, and what is its main objective?

The National FFA Organization, originally known as Future Farmers of America, was founded in 1925 with the specific goal of providing agricultural education to middle and high school students.

What is Rural Youth Europe, and what are its activities?

Rural Youth Europe is a non-governmental organization established in 1957, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. It aims to increase awareness among European youth regarding rural environmental and agricultural issues and is active in 17 countries, reaching over 500,000 participants.

What does the SVG image titled Annual Changes In Prices Received By Farmers depict?

The SVG image illustrates the yearly fluctuations in prices that farmers receive for their products, showing data for both the top and bottom performing countries in 2022.

Where are farm products typically sold or distributed?

Farm products can be sold in general markets, at specialized farmers' markets, or directly from the farm itself.

What does the 1949 cartoon from the Illinois Agricultural Association record highlight about farming?

The 1949 cartoon, titled Death's Album of Careless Illinois Farm Folks, highlights the significant dangers in farming by documenting 275 tractor-related accidents and 183 livestock-related incidents that occurred in the preceding year.

What are some of the specific dangers farmers face from insects and other arthropods?

Farmers are exposed to potential harm from insects and arthropods, including stings or bites from creatures such as scorpions, fire ants, bees, wasps, and hornets.

Beyond insects, what other physical risks are associated with farming?

Farmers also face risks from operating heavy machinery, which can lead to severe injury or death. Additionally, the repetitive nature of farm work can cause muscle and joint pain.

What unique psychological challenges do farmers encounter?

Farmers face distinct mental stressors, including anxiety over uncertain crop yields influenced by weather patterns and economic instability stemming from market fluctuations.

How does the rate of suicide among farmers in the US compare to the general population?

Farmers in the United States are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.

What was the original meaning of the term farmer?

The word farmer originally signified a person who collected taxes from tenants working a landlord's field.

How did the meaning of the word farmer evolve over time?

The meaning of the word farmer evolved from its original sense of a tax collector to eventually describe the person who cultivates the land.

What historical terms were used to refer to farmers before the widespread adoption of the term farmer?

Older terms that were used to refer to farmers include churl and husbandman.

What type of farmer is depicted in the first gallery image?

The first image in the gallery shows an American dairy farmer.

What is the occupation of the individual shown in the second gallery image?

The second gallery image features a Swiss hay farmer.

What agricultural product are the individuals in the third gallery image cultivating?

The third gallery image depicts Tanzanian tea farmers, indicating their work involves cultivating tea.

What are some of the topics listed in the See also section related to farming?

The See also section includes related topics such as agrarian society, agribusiness, agroecology, family farm, farmers' market, farmworker, gardening, gentleman farmer, organic farming, pastoralism, peasant, rural American history, and sustainable agriculture.

Where can one find visual media related to farmers?

Visual media related to farmers can be accessed on Wikimedia Commons.

Where can the definition of the word farmer be found in a dictionary?

The dictionary definition of the word farmer is available on Wiktionary.

What specific agricultural roles are mentioned in the Occupations section of the Agriculture footer?

The Occupations section lists Agriculturist, Agricultural Engineer, Farmer, Farm worker, and Herder.

What are some of the general topics covered under Agriculture in the footer?

General topics include Agribusiness, Agricultural cooperative, Agricultural supplies, Agricultural science, Agricultural engineering, Agricultural technology, Agroforestry, Agronomy, Animal husbandry, Animal-free agriculture, Cash crop, Cellular agriculture, Cultural methods, Contract farming, Extensive farming, Farm, Farmhouse, Feed ratio, Free range, Horticulture, Intensive farming, Mechanised agriculture, Organic farming, Paludiculture, Permaculture, Polyculture, Sustainable agriculture, Sustainable food system, Universities and colleges, and Urban agriculture.

What historical periods or events related to agriculture are listed in the footer?

The footer lists historical aspects such as the origins of agriculture in West Asia, Ancient Egyptian agriculture, agriculture in ancient Greece and Rome, Austronesian domesticated plants and animals, agricultural science history, the Arab Agricultural Revolution, agriculture in specific countries like Argentina, Canada, China, Chile, Peru, Palestine, and the United States, the Columbian exchange, the Green Revolution, agriculture in the Indian subcontinent, Mesoamerican agriculture, agriculture in the Middle Ages, the Neolithic Revolution, and the history of organic farming.

What different types of farming practices are mentioned in the Agriculture footer?

Types of farming mentioned include Agrivoltaic, Aquaculture, Cattle farming, Cannabis cultivation, Dairy farming, Desert farming, Dryland farming, Fur farming, Goat farming, Grazing (with sub-types like convertible husbandry, rotational grazing, transhumance), Hydroponics, Insect farming, Livestock farming, Mixed farming, Monoculture, Paddy field farming, Pastoral farming, Pig farming, Poultry farming, Ranching, Rainfed agriculture, Orchard cultivation, Subsistence agriculture, Sheep farming, Terrace farming, and Wildlife farming.

What environmental impacts related to agriculture are listed?

Listed environmental impacts include agricultural expansion, agricultural pollution, agricultural wastewater, overgrazing, the environmental impact of irrigation (including overdrafting), and the effects of climate change on agriculture (such as multiple breadbasket failure).

Farmer Wiki: Fields of Knowledge: Understanding the Farmer's Role

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Defining the Farmer

Core Occupation

A farmer is fundamentally an individual engaged in agriculture, dedicated to cultivating living organisms for sustenance or the production of raw materials.^[1] This broad definition typically encompasses individuals involved in raising field crops, managing orchards and vineyards, and tending to various forms of livestock.

Global Significance

Globally, a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce comprises smallholder farmers, particularly in developing nations. These individuals collectively support a significant global population, underscoring the critical role of farming in sustaining communities worldwide.^[2]^[3] Furthermore, women constitute a considerable percentage of agricultural employees across the globe.^[4]

Ownership and Labor

The specific application of the term "farmer" can vary. In many developed economies, it often denotes a proprietor who owns or manages a farm. Conversely, in other contexts, it may refer to a laborer working the land on behalf of others. The distinction between a farm owner and a farm worker is crucial in understanding different agricultural employment structures.^[1]

Historical Roots of Farming

Neolithic Beginnings

The practice of farming traces its origins back to the Neolithic period, marking a pivotal shift in human civilization. Early agricultural societies, such as the Sumerians around 5000–4000 BCE, developed specialized labor forces heavily reliant on sophisticated irrigation systems for crop cultivation.^[5] Ancient Egypt also depended significantly on the Nile River for its agricultural productivity.^[6]

Domestication of Animals

The practice of animal husbandry, the rearing of animals for agricultural purposes, has a long history. Key milestones include the domestication of dogs in East Asia approximately 15,000 years ago, followed by goats and sheep in Asia around 8000 BCE. Pigs were domesticated in the Middle East and China by 7000 BCE, and the earliest evidence for horse domestication dates back to roughly 4000 BCE.^[7]

Technological Advancements

Productivity Gains

Technological progress has dramatically increased farmer productivity. In the mid-20th century United States, a single farmer could feed only a few individuals. Today, a modern farmer can support a significantly larger population, although some analyses suggest this figure may be overstated when considering the full resource and labor inputs required for modern agriculture.^[8]

Modern Techniques

Contemporary farming benefits from innovations like greenhouse cultivation, enabling farmers to optimize growing conditions and enhance yields. These advancements are crucial for meeting the demands of a growing global population and ensuring food security.

Diverse Farming Roles

Livestock Specialists

Specific terms denote farmers focused on particular animals. Those raising grazing livestock like cattle, sheep, or horses are known as ranchers (U.S.), graziers (Australia/UK), or stockmen. Specialized roles include shepherds (sheep), goatherds (goats), and cowherds (cattle).^[9]

Specialized Production

Dairy farmers focus on milk production, while poultry farmers concentrate on raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese for meat, eggs, or feathers. Individuals cultivating vegetables for market are often termed truck farmers or market gardeners.

Practical Cultivators

The colloquial term dirt farmer refers to a practical, hands-on farmer, often one who cultivates their own land.^[9] In agribusiness contexts, the definition is broader, potentially including individuals who manage farms for others or receive agricultural subsidies.

Farming Methodologies

Subsistence vs. Modern

In developing regions, farmers often practice subsistence agriculture, employing techniques like crop rotation, seed saving, and sometimes slash-and-burn methods to meet immediate household needs. This contrasts with large-scale, often industrialized, farming prevalent in developed nations.^[10]

Contemporary Approaches

While traditional methods persist, modern agriculture incorporates scientific advancements. Practices like organic farming cater to specific market demands, focusing on sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Small-scale cultivation in developed contexts might be considered gardening or a hobby, unless driven by economic necessity or niche market participation.

Farmer Organizations

Collective Influence

Farmers frequently organize into local, regional, and national unions or associations to advocate for their interests and exert political influence. Historically, organizations like the Grange movement in the U.S. played significant roles in advancing farmers' agendas.^[11]

Global Representation

Internationally, the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) represents millions of farmers worldwide through its member unions. Prominent national organizations, such as France's FNSEA, remain active in policy debates, including those concerning genetically modified foods.

Youth Development

Several organizations focus on educating and engaging young people in agriculture. Notable examples include 4-H (U.S.), the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America), and Rural Youth Europe, promoting knowledge and sustainable practices among future generations.

Economic Aspects

Market Channels

Agricultural products are distributed through various channels, including wholesale markets, direct sales at farmers' markets, or on-farm sales. In subsistence economies, produce may be consumed directly by the farmer's family or shared within the community.

Pricing and Policy

Farmers' income is influenced by market prices, crop yields, and government policies. The source includes data illustrating annual changes in prices received by farmers globally, highlighting economic variability.^[12] Agricultural policy often includes subsidies and tax deductions, particularly relevant within the broader framework of agribusiness.

Occupational Hazards

Environmental Risks

Agriculture presents significant occupational hazards. Farmers face risks from venomous insects and arthropods, including scorpions, fire ants, bees, wasps, and hornets.^[13]

Physical and Mental Strain

Exposure to heavy machinery poses risks of fatal or serious injury. Repetitive physical labor can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.^[14] Furthermore, farmers experience unique mental stressors related to unpredictable weather patterns and market volatility, contributing to higher rates of mental health challenges, including suicide, compared to the general population.^[15]

Etymology of "Farmer"

Linguistic Evolution

The term "farmer" originally denoted an individual contracted to collect taxes from tenants working land owned by a landlord.^[16]^[17] Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the person actively cultivating the land. Earlier terms for such individuals included "churl" and "husbandman."^[18]

Visualizing Farming Roles

American Dairy Farmer

Depicting the work involved in dairy production in the United States.

Swiss Hay Farmer

Illustrating the cultivation and handling of hay in Switzerland.

Tanzanian Tea Farmers

Showcasing the cultivation of tea by farmers in Tanzania.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Farmer" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about farmer while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

sarnia

saturday ocean colour scene album

gospel music

james c. healey

brazilian americans

oxford university press

volvo fl

bukharan jews

barrio

2004–05 second league of serbia and montenegro– group montenegro

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Farmer Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This educational resource was generated by Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data for informational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source material, it may not reflect the most current information or nuances.

This content is not professional advice. The information presented here is intended for academic and educational enrichment and should not substitute consultation with agricultural experts, economists, historians, or other relevant professionals. Always consult authoritative sources and qualified experts for specific applications or decision-making.

The creators assume no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.

Fields of Knowledge

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the Farmer 🧑‍🌾

🌾 Core Occupation

🌍 Global Significance

💼 Ownership and Labor

Historical Roots of Farming 🏺

⏳ Neolithic Beginnings

🐾 Domestication of Animals

Technological Advancements ⚙️

💡 Productivity Gains

🌱 Modern Techniques

Diverse Farming Roles 🐄

🐑 Livestock Specialists

🐔 Specialized Production

🚜 Practical Cultivators

Farming Methodologies 🌿

🌍 Subsistence vs. Modern

🧑‍🔬 Contemporary Approaches

Farmer Organizations 🤝

🏛️ Collective Influence

🌐 Global Representation

🧑‍🏫 Youth Development

Economic Aspects 💰

🛒 Market Channels

📊 Pricing and Policy

Occupational Hazards ⚠️

🕷️ Environmental Risks

🤕 Physical and Mental Strain

Etymology of "Farmer" 📜

🗣️ Linguistic Evolution

Visualizing Farming Roles 🖼️

🇺🇸 American Dairy Farmer

🇨🇭 Swiss Hay Farmer

🇹🇿 Tanzanian Tea Farmers

Related Topics 🔗

📚 Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the Farmer

Core Occupation

Global Significance

Ownership and Labor

Historical Roots of Farming

Neolithic Beginnings

Domestication of Animals

Technological Advancements

Productivity Gains

Modern Techniques

Diverse Farming Roles

Livestock Specialists

Specialized Production

Practical Cultivators

Farming Methodologies

Subsistence vs. Modern

Contemporary Approaches

Farmer Organizations

Collective Influence

Global Representation

Youth Development

Economic Aspects

Market Channels

Pricing and Policy

Occupational Hazards

Environmental Risks

Physical and Mental Strain

Etymology of "Farmer"

Linguistic Evolution

Visualizing Farming Roles

American Dairy Farmer

Swiss Hay Farmer

Tanzanian Tea Farmers

Related Topics

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice