Unit 5 FRQ set 2 (2021)

Question 1

Define intensive agriculture

Answer 1

Agriculture that attempts to maximize yield on relatively smaller amounts of land.

Question 2

Describe the change over time in the numbers and sizes of family-run dairy farms.

Answer 2

Every year, there are fewer family-run dairy farms as small farms go out of business or become part of larger conglomerates. At the same time, the average size of dairy
farms is increasing.

Question 3

Explain how economies of scale are used to maximize profitability in dairy farming.

Answer 3

Dairy farms have engaged in vertical integration to control multiple steps in the production process to increase profit.

Question 4

Explain a recent trend in the location of dairy farms with respect to consumer locations.

Answer 4

Dairies have moved farther from consumer locations as a result of improvements in transportation methods and networks

Question 5

Explain ONE way in which a complex commodity chain connects large-scale dairies to consumers

Answer 5

Customized packaging of dairy products adds complexity as additional steps are needed in the commodity chain.

Question 6

Explain ONE way in which small-scale dairy farms can specialize to compete with largescale dairies.

Answer 6

By providing home delivery of dairy products and related items (e.g., eggs, bakery goods)

Question 7

Explain an environmental sustainability problem that results from the production of dairy on large-scale farms.

Answer 7

Degradation of ecosystems (e.g., deforestation, overgrazing) has occurred in order to increase the size or production levels on dairy farms.