Economic activity can encompass input suppliers (such as machinery, equipment, feed, and credit suppliers), livestock producers, processors of livestock and livestock products, and the distribution channels beyond the processors.

Writings in prose or verse, either fiction or nonfiction, that have as their subjects some aspect of country life.

This article examines the nature of adult literacy in the U.S., explores the problems of 

The process of using influence to help groups achieve their goals. The availability of competent leadership is affected by the characteristics, behaviors, styles and skills of local citizens, and the ways leadership functions are shared among the population.

Modern term used in the U.S. to describe individuals born in, or descended from those born in, the Latin American countries, including South and Central America, Mexico, and the Spanish Caribbean. Most, but not all Latinos, can be described as Hispanic, that is, coming from countries once part of the Spanish domains where Spanish is a common language.

The possession of legal rights that may be exercised with regard to a specific geographic area.

Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Colleges and universities created by federal grants of land to selected states in 1890 to provide education, primarily to African Americans involved in agricultural and industrial work.

Colleges and universities created by federal grants of land to each state in 1862 to provide education to a broad range of U.S.

The fair market value of land, or value at which land would change hands if placed on an open and competitive market where all conditions are met for a fair sale.

Care of land under the assumption that regeneration of the resource base and maintenance of natural life processes are essential for the production of food and fiber for the support of generations yet to be born. Social justice, environmental stability and resource renewal are the fundamental elements of land stewardship.

A family of policies expanding and securing land tenure in the context of larger society-wide development planning. Land reform is value laden. 

Organizations created to improve the economic position of workers. 

An ethnic and religious minority with a small but significant agrarian and small-town presence. Jewish immigrants began to arrive in the United States in large numbers in the middle of the nineteenth century, and most settled in the country’s major cities.

Application of water to crops, lawns and gardens by artificial means, such as spreading, sprinkling or dripping, to supplement natural precipitation.

Passing ownership and control of land from one generation to the next, typically through family relationships. The discussion of land transfer emphasizes the strong values held by agricultural families regarding intergenerational family continuity, examines typical stages in the transfer process, and recognizes transfer as a major developmental life stressor. 

A way to manage financial risk by transferring the risk to an insurance company in exchange for paying a premium.

Physical damage to the human body resulting from exposure to agents or conditions that exceed human tolerance.

The basic facilities and services of a community or society. 

The unequal distribution of socioeconomic resources, such as wealth, prestige, and power, in a given population. This article highlights the lower socioeconomic standing of minorities and women in rural areas, and provides an overview of the explanations to account for this pattern. 

Money acquired from employment or entrepreneurial activities of an individual’s labor and capital resources. 

An evaluation of the consequences of an intervention. Interventions examined by impact assessment may be a specific project like the construction of a power plant or a government policy or program. 

The study of water as it moves through the earth, atmosphere and oceans, particularly how land uses influence the processes through which rain and snow become ground water and stream flow.

Shelter for people. This entry discusses how rural housing is defined, characteristics of the housing inventory, and new housing. Common indicators of housing quality and affordability measures are examined.

The science, technology and art of producing and utilizing garden crops, such as fruits, vegetables, ornamental and landscape plants, herbs and spices, and medicinal plants.