While farming is not as prevalent in many cultures as it was in decades past, there are still many different types of farms in full operation today. Some of these farming operations focus on the production of fruits or vegetables, while others focus on livestock, dairy, or even fish as the main crop of production. Here are a few examples of the different types of farms that can be found in many countries around the world.
When most people think of a farm, the first thought is land that is focused on agriculture. In years past, family farms tended to provide income for the property owners as well as food for the table. While single family farming is less popular than in earlier decades, large commercial farms that focus on crop production are found in just about every nation. These larger farming corporations may focus on a single cash crop, such as soybeans or corn. However, an agri-business may also diversify by platting the land to produce several different types of fruits or vegetables.
Along with farming projects that focus on growing food, there are also farms that focus on livestock. Some common examples are hog farms, cow farms, and goat farming concerns. Normally, farming businesses of this type raise the livestock for eventual slaughter and processing to supply meats in supermarkets. Depending on the prevailing culture in a given country, this type of farm may be referred to as a ranch, with the owners known as ranchers rather than farmers.
Fish farms are also common to many countries and cultures. In some cases, the selection of fish is focused on supplying fresh products to local restaurants and markets. Other fishing businesses of this type focus on global markets, raising large quantities of fish such as tilapia or grouper for use by commercial food producers. In the southern area of the United States, catfish farming is a viable money-making project that functions well as a family business.
Poultry farms are usually about mass production of chickens that are commercially packaged and sold at various supermarkets or large fast food and restaurant chains. One of the growing trends with this type of farming is the whole earth or green approach. Chickens raised in a farm that is set up as an organic or whole earth operation only receive feed that is composed of natural ingredients, and are not subjected to artificial hormones to facilitate their growth.
The concept of the small family farm is still very much a part of many cultures. Single family farms are often owned by people who are employed with a full time job, but want to augment food products purchased at grocers or supermarkets. A typical farm of this type will often focus on growing several foods that can be preserved as well as used straight from the garden. Excess produce may be sold at local markets and serve as a secondary source of household income. Pole beans, peas, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, and okra are some examples of produce that may be grown in a small family farm in the Midwestern United States.
