During World War II, the world’s nations turned to the United States to compensate war-torn Europe and Asia. In 1942, we exported more than $1 billion of food and agricultural products worldwide. Before the war ended, that number had doubled. The foundation of agricultural trade was established by establishing the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in 1953, which was pivotal in expanding international markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Over the decades, the commitment to fostering global trade has driven the agricultural sector to new heights, benefiting producers across the country, including those in Southern Colorado.
Technological advancements have also revolutionized farming practices, increasing productivity and efficiency overall. Innovations in crop genetics, precision agriculture, and sustainable farming techniques have enabled our local farmers to produce more with less, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality products for the global market. Farm Credit of Southern Colorado remains dedicated to financing these ag advancements, helping our local farmers stay competitive and meet the demands of a growing global population with a sustainable mindset.
Despite rapid growth in U.S. food and agricultural exports, we still face many challenges, including global food insecurity. To ensure every one of our local community members impacted has access to services and food, we must strengthen and expand our relationships with one another. If the past 100 years of trials and tribulations have taught our industry anything, it’s that the bond we curate and maintain between one another is one of the most important aspects of keeping ag alive.
Trade agreements have also been instrumental in shaping the landscape of agricultural trade. Agreements such as NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA, have opened new markets and created opportunities for farmers to export their products, driving economic growth and job creation throughout our rural communities. Colorado farmers have benefited from these agreements by gaining access to new customers and strengthening their financial resilience.
The ag and trade challenges of the past century have presented many opportunities, and the U.S. can use advances in technology and innovation to meet those challenges. All our lessons will guide us as we move forward into the next 100 years of American agriculture and trade.
We are proud to have been a part of this last 100 years of ag evolution, and this new trade expansion for our market was only the beginning. We remain committed to our established Colorado farmers and ranchers and look forward to supporting any future ag businesses in our future as well. Passion runs deep in our cooperative’s veins, so stay on the lookout for all the agricultural advancements we create and help create to see how you, too, can help write history.
For more information on the impact of agricultural trade and its prospects, visit the USDA’s blog on the topic here: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2024/02/21/100-years-agricultural-trade-century-growth-innovation-and-progress
Or for more information about how Farm Credit of Southern Colorado can help fund your local ag operation, contact us today!