As the amount of mechanization and horsepower in farm machinery has increased, the time needed to complete tasks has decreased. Combines, huge machines used to harvest grains such as corn, soybeans and wheat, have dramatically changed agriculture. In the 1930s, before the machines were available, a farmer could harvest an average of 100 bushels of corn by hand in a nine-hour day. Today’s combines can harvest 900 bushels of corn per hour-or 100 bushels of corn in under seven minutes! Source: Agriculture Council of America

Carroll County farmers have a long history of being some of the most progressive and innovative farmers in the United States. Today, Carroll County farmers strive to produce wholesome agriculture products using the best management practices that insure quality life for our community. Source: Carroll County Agriculture Association Ag Handbook

Cornstalks at sunset, file photo, October 2005 Farmers and ranchers are producing meat lower in fat and cholesterol. This has resulted in retail cuts that are 15 percent leaner, giving consumers better value for their dollar. For example, a pork tenderloin now has only one more gram of fat than a skinless chicken breast, one of the true fat “lightweights.” Source: Agriculture Council of America

Today’s farms are heavily regulated; farmers are trained and held to strict standards. Violators are held to the full extent of the law and face heavy fines when they violate state clean water standards. Today’s farm operations are cleaner, safer, and more environmentally responsible than the smaller farms of 30 years ago. Source: Carroll County Agriculture Association Ag Handbook