Amber Waves cover, May 2007
Amber Waves: The Economics of Food, Farming, Natural Resources, and Rural America

May 2007

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AmberWaves May 2007 Special Issue > Statistics > Indicators

Data Feature Heading

In the Long Run

Originally published Vol. 4, Issue 2 (April 2006)—updated May 2007

Robbin Shoemaker

Farm output is up but energy intensity is down

Energy intensity reflects the total amount of energy used in the production of output. Since 1973, farm output has grown 63 percent while energy consumption declined 26 percent. The decline in energy intensity is the result of improved machinery and equipment, enhanced energy efficiency, and changes in the commodities produced.

Chart: Energy intensity in U.S. agriculture has declined over time due to energy efficiency gains and changes in commodities produced, 1948-2004


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