Farm Practices & Management

Biotechnology
Genetically engineered (GE) seed varieties were commercially introduced in the United States in 1996. Adoption rates for these crops increased rapidly in the years that followed. Currently, over 90 percent of U.S. corn, upland cotton, soybeans, canola, and sugarbeets are produced using GE varieties. ERS conducts research on agricultural biotechnology issues, which are covered in this topic.
Fertilizers & Pesticides
ERS evaluates the influence of rising energy costs and crop prices on fertilizer prices, nutrient supply, and consumption. ERS research also examines factors influencing volatile fertilizer markets and farmers' strategies to manage nutrient use under price uncertainty. ERS evaluates factors driving trends in the use and composition of pesticides in the United States. Changing relative prices of inputs, trends in the extent and location of crop production, use of biotechnology, adoption of organic systems, pest invasions, and climate change all contribute to changes in pesticide use.
Crop & Livestock Practices
ERS analyzes trends in the adoption of a range of crop and livestock production practices and their effectiveness in reducing costs, increasing farming profitability, minimizing losses to the environment, and conserving natural resources.
Irrigation & Water Use
Agriculture is a major user of ground and surface water in the United States, and irrigation has enhanced both the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, farms with some form of irrigation accounted for more than 54 percent of the total value of U.S. crop sales, while irrigated land accounted for less than 20 percent of harvested cropland.
Risk Management
Uncertainty in prices, yields, government policies, and foreign markets means that risk management plays an important role in many farm business decisions.

Selected Charts from Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, 2024 Amber Waves: 2023 Year in Review Characteristics and Trends of U.S. Soybean Production Practices, Costs, and Returns Since 2002 Vegetables and Pulses Outlook: April 2023 Increasing the Value of Animal Manure for Farmers

See all

U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Industries Try To Cope With Rising Labor Costs Study Examines How and Where U.S. Cow-Calf Operations Use Rotational Grazing Farmers’ Use of Contracts Has Declined Over Last 25 Years Innovations in Seed and Farming Technologies Drive Productivity Gains and Costs on Corn Farms Producers’ Net Costs Influence Offers to USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program

See all

ARMS Farm Financial and Crop Production Practices Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S. Agricultural Productivity in the U.S. Agricultural and Food Research and Development Expenditures in the United States International Agricultural Productivity

See all

Natural Resources & Environment Farm Economy Animal Products Crops