Family Farms Around the Globe

The United Nations has named 2019-2028 the Decade of Family Farming. The interactive page linked below includes a video, key messages, and key facts. You are encouraged to explore the page and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the world. 

United Nations Decade of Family Farming

Discussion Points

• After watching the video what message resonated with you and why?
• The page shared the importance of youth to the family farm. Why is youth important to the family farm? How are youth engaged in family farming in your home region? Does this look different around the globe?
• Scroll through and investigate the "Key Messages." Which key message do you believe is the most important and why?
• Explore and swipe through the "Key Facts." Which key fact grabbed your attention and why? 

World's Largest Pig Farm

The world's largest pig farm is being constructed in China and is projected to produce around 2.1 million hogs per year. With this come challenges and opportunities. We encourage you to explore the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Chinese Hog Producer Builds World's Largest Pig Farm

Discussion Points

• What factors have contributed to producers in China building larger and larger pig farms?
• What in the article surprised you and why?
• Identify the opportunities and challenges that are being created by these larger and larger operations.
• How might this farm and trend impact hog producers in your local area as well as others around the world?

Floating Dairy Farm

Our world is covered 70% by water so why not farm or raise livestock on the water? This is exactly what is being developed in the Netherlands as they are creating a floating dairy farm with plans for additional floating farms. Below we have linked a video created by AgCultures from the University of Minnesota. AgCultures travels around the globe and documents the story of agriculture at all levels. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations. 

The World's First Floating Dairy Farm

Discussion Points

• Explain the concept of the floating dairy farm? 
• There are plans for a dedicated space on the farm for education. Why is this so important?
• The importance of "transparency" is mentioned in this video and we have heard and seen this in other European countries as well. Why is transparency important? Is agriculture transparent in your home community/country? What could be done to improve transparency?
• Besides the floating dairy there are plans for two additional floating farms as well. Do you see this concept working? What other types of farms could become floating?