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3000 BCE
Plow was Invented
This simple device allowed domesticated animal to pull a sharp stick through the ground, creating a gap into which seeds could be placed. -
500 BCE
Plow was Developed
The plows included an iron-knife blade that could cut the roots that were found in more humid climates such western Europe. These plows also included a wooden board that pushed the soil apart, creating an open furrow. -
Selective Breeding of Crops and Animals
Farmers realized that it made sense reproducing only the best examples of their crops and animals. The seeds of particular wheat plants that matured faster than others were replanted in areas where the growing season was short. -
Horse Collar was Invented
It was not used in western Europe until slightly more than 1000 years ago. it improved plows, it allowed the horse to pull harder without choking itself. -
Opening of the Grasslands of North America
The opening of grasslands greatly increased the world's food production capacity. This board swath of land from the Gulf of Mexico to central Alberta has become one of the most important sources of food in the world. -
Modern Machinary
It increased the productivity of agricultural workers. Farms became larger and produced more food. Farmers could buy new types of products manufactured in modern factories. Farmers could buy steel fencing, better wagons, and windmills that could pump water for cattle and for irrigation. -
Industrialization of Farming
Inventors and farmers were quick to see the usefulness of many technological advances made during the Industrial Revolution. First the farmers did everything by hand and now these days farmers use machines to farm everything. -
Green Revolution
It had little direct of impact on Canadian agriculture, it was a vital development in the non-industrial world after World War 2. The Green Revolution increased food production by more than 100% and it also was funded by United Nations and by private charitable organizations. The increase in the food production prevented people from dieing from the hunger disease. -
The World's Last Major Agricultural Expansion
The last agricultural expansion was the Virgin lands in the Soviet Union. It brought 3.6 million hectares under the plow for the fist time. -
Development of Genetically Modified Organisms
Some people described it as second Green Revolution. There are only several GMO crops that are widely available, they are commodity crops that often process further into a variety of ingredients.
