As a result, those who operate farm equipment may want to alter their production habits, according to a recent report from the National Research Council. The group said that those within the industry have to look beyond bottom lines in order to shift with the changing landscape.
"Although farming productivity has increased, nowadays farmers are being asked to do more than produce more food for a growing world population," said Julia Kornegay, a processor at North Carolina State University - Raleigh and leader of the committee that wrote the study.
To do so, producers have to make sure they take a more complete look at their operations. Along with satisfying consumer demands, farmers will have to make sure they focus on the sustainability of their practices.
Last year saw farm productivity reach impressive heights, as both corn and soybean production reached new all-time highs. However, this is also leading to farmers seeing a decrease in demand, which could affect this year's results.
