Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure
10.1.
Weeder used for maize.
harvests each year to have a monthly farm income of about US$250 to 300. The sale of
pigs and chickens is irregular but brings in extra money for school and clothing.
Commercial Farmer.
Steve Murphy and his sons own around 486 ha of land and
rent about 814 ha more on a yearly basis. With so few people planting and harvesting the
crops, they rely on machinery to keep costs down. They own three large tractors and nine
smaller ones. They also own or share other large equipment with Steve's brother. They
own several large barns for storage of equipment, hay, animals, and for equipment
repair. The open-sided shed shown in Figure 10.3 is used to protect five small tractors
from rain and snow. The large tractors are kept in another shed. Nearly all the materials
used on their farm are purchased. Only some hay and maize are produced to feed their
beef cattle during the winter. All seed, fertilizer, and chemicals are purchased. Even the
Figure
10.2.
Tools used in Ecuador.
