In the evening, we had a discussion about the similarities and differences between agriculture in Nicaragua and the United States. We discussed similarities on the concentration of conservation. Both countries are concerned with prevention of erosion by reducing incidence of deforestation. In addition, the choice between making a profit to feed families and growing products organically is very prevalent. However, there are also many differences which include the scale of agriculture. In the United States, farmers concentrate on the biggest production systems, but in Nicaragua there are so few resources that farmers have much smaller production systems. In addition, animals are used to make a profit in the United States or for companionship, but animals in Nicragua are to improve how each family can live. In all, the goal of agriculture is to feed lives in the best way possible, but the approaches to this vital industry vary greatly.
During the discussion, we learned about the intricate relationship between agriculture, people, and the environment. Every choice people make about how they produce their crops, which food to buy, and how they live their lives effect the circle of life. The main thing the conversation reinforced for our program was that life is intricately related.
As an Animal Science major, this discussion was important to a future career in agriculture. The decisions people make about animal welfare or using antibiotics affect how veterinarians can treat their patients. When producing crops for animals, the feed used to grow the animal effects the environment. Finally, the decisions we make in our own lives about the food we eat effect families throughout the world.