Rural sociologists have seemingly moved away from an active interest in the plight of migrant farmworkers and the centrality of their labor in the development of U.S. agribusiness. Answering Pfeffer's (1983) call to analyze the different forms of agricultural production, I focus on the key formative period of what I refer to as the U.S. capitalist…

The author, president of the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank of New Orleans, in remarks to the first general session of the Agricultural Education Division of the American Vocational Association, paints a bright picture of agricultural productivity, financial challenge, and agricultural commitment in the mid-South. (Author/EA)

U.S. farms growing rice varied considerably among seven rice-growing regions, according to the 1984 Farm Costs and Returns Survey. This report (which includes 28 data tables) summarizes and compares the production practices and costs of production of United States rice farms. Costs per acre of rice were greatest in California and on the Lower…

A study analyzed grain production in France, the major grain producer in the European Community and one of the leading producers in the world. France is also a major grain exporter and thus competes with the United States in world markets. The United States is pursuing a policy of lower world prices to regain market share. Large grain surpluses in…

This report summarizes the 18 titles of the Food Security Act of 1985 and compares it with previous legislation where applicable. It describes the act's provisions for dairy; wool and mohair; wheat; feed grains; cotton; rice; peanuts; soybeans; sugar; other general commodity provisions; trade; conservation; credit; agricultural research,…

INCREASED MECHANIZATION, MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF CHEMICALS, AND OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS HAVE REDUCED FARM-LABOR NEEDS AND INCREASED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION. COTTON, SUGAR BEETS, POTATOES, AND VEGETABLES FOR PROCESSING ARE SOME OF THE CROPS REQUIRING FEWER MAN-HOURS DUE TO NEW OR IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY. CONTINUOUS EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO DESIGN…

This guide contains basic information to meet specific standards for pesticide applicators. The text is concerned with the calibration of dry and liquid pesticide systems for aerial application. Additionally, dispersal equipment is discussed with considerations for environmental and safety factors. (CS)

The Department of Agriculture continually reviews needs for insecticides and recommends those which are effective with least hazard to people and the environment. This report estimates the economic effects of reducing the use of organochlorine insecticides. Using data from a 1966 Economic Research Service Survey, the report concludes that these…

Conventional farming methods attempt to dominate nature. This approach is leading farmers toward self-destruction. If farmers use regenerative agriculture, farming would change from a battle against nature into the art of encouraging nature to release the most benefits for human use with the least possible effort. (AM)

Significant differences exist between agribusiness workers and agricultural production workers in Missouri in the affective work skills they demonstrate. Significant differences also appear between agricultural supervisors and workers. (SK)

A survey examined the effectiveness of two long-running Nigerian agricultural programs on television and radio as perceived by 198 farmers. Results indicate a positive assessment of their value for improving agricultural production. Although more listen to the radio, the television program also received high marks. (Contains 17 references.) (JOW)

After 38 pork producers were introduced to eight distance educational media, most were willing to try all media except chatrooms and multimedia kits; 86% preferred face-to-face to distance education although 87% believed distance education is the future for information access. Limited distance education use may be due to limited exposure rather…

Commodity agriculture and civic agriculture represent two distinct types of farming found in the U.S. today. Commodity agriculture is grounded on the belief that the primary objectives of farming should be to produce as much food/fiber as possible for the least cost. It is driven by the twin goals of productivity and efficiency. Civic…

In this new century, opportunities exist to help advance America's greatness in the midst of many challenges. Energy, water, food, environment, health, economic productivity, global competitiveness, and the quality of the living environments are all paramount to the future. Extension is, as a part of higher education, prepared to create new…