Productivity

Increased agricultural productivity was one of the most significant farm developments during the second half of the 20th century. Productivity gains were largely due to the availability and adoption of new or improved technologies. Over the past 50 years, agricultural output increased as the level of inputs remained constant or declined. The result was sustained growth in farm productivity without the need to commit additional resources to the production process. Increased productivity was a major factor in a farmer’s or rancher’s ability to stay in business when prices they received for production were relatively low.