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Charles "Turnip" Townsend
Introduced the Norfolk Four Course Crop Rotation, but also participated in politics until his retirement; nickname came from his cultivation of turnips -
Jethro Tull and the Seed Drill
In 1701, the seed drill was invented to increase productivity in farming. The seed drill was able to complete all the tasks necessary to plant seeds. This increased efficiency. -
Dutch and Rotherham Swing Plough
iron mould-board and landslide improved the plough thanks to Joseph Folijambe; before this, the Dutch attempted to improve the plough but were not successful -
Arthur Young
Although not a farmer, published various pieces of literature related to agriculture that were influential. Promoted inventions such as the seed drill and other revolutionary innovations such as better crop rotation and open field enclosure. -
Robert Bakeswell, Thomas Coke, Selective Breeding
Robert Bakewell established selective breeding during the 18th century. His primary animal was sheep and he bred selectively for their wool and delicate bodies. Eventually, he improved the Lincoln Longwool. He was also the first to breed cattle for meat. -
The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge advocates the potato
One of the oldest societies in the world who have had an important role in improving the scientific field. Its achievements have received international recognition. After the potato's nutrietional value was demonstrated, it was advocated for. It was also able to withstand conditions other crops could not (which was important at the time). -
Norfolk Four-Course System
Revolutionary because this system lacked a fallow year. In the first year, wheat was grown. In the second, turnips were grown (which fed animals during the winter time). In the third year, clover and barley were grown (which were cut down during the fourth year). Fairly common by 1800. -
Land Conversion, Drainage, and Reclamation Programs
Arable land was created from some pasture land. Fen land also came from some pasture land. However, in Holland and Flanders, farmers created drainage systems to take advantage of these lands since the population was dense. -
Enclosure Act
Before the act, the open field system was common in England and promoted self-sufficiency. The Enclosure Act was viewed as revolutionary (by the government) because it could provide benefits that the open-field system did not provide. However, people suffered tremendously. Locals lost land that they had held for generations (and were given small plots to compensate). Many people moved to cities as a result of this. Enclosed lands became privately owned. -
Development of a National Market
Private marketing increased starting during the 16th century. However, by the 19th century most farmers were producing for the nationwide market. Big cities drove these markets.