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Show Growth Ahead F or The American F arm F amily Throughout the past several decades the number of farms in the United States has been declining while the relative size of farms has grown. However, the family farm unit has continued to survive and remains a significant factor on the American agricultural scene. Today we are seeing a trend of going back to the land by Page 12 young people who years ago were more interested in other pursuits, according to Edward R. Vrablik, president of Estech General Chemicals Corporation, one of the largest producers of fertilizer in the U.S. Enrollment in ag schools is up as agribusiness horizons broaden and new opportunities arise. Technological advances are helping young farmers gain maximum production efficiency and increase profitability. There are approximately 55 million Americans living in areas rural, earning their living through some type of agricultural related employment. This group, the farm family, is a social, economic, and Supplement to the Salina Sun political force that makes a substantial contribution to American life, Vrablik added. From Maine to California, over 2.7 million commerical farms dot the country with an average size of 450 acres. Gross sales on these farms range from $20,000 to over $200,000. Our nations fertile soil allows for the growth of over 430 & Gunnison Valley News different crops, however the initiative based on his own decilargest amount of farm products sion; and dedicated to the idea of freedom and minimum government control. Just as the farmer serves his public, Estech General serves If todays American fanner over 53,000 customers in 22 could be briefly characterized counties throughout the counwe would find he is: market try. It has a network of 300 seroriented; proud of his heritage dealer and company-owne- d of free enterprise with flexible vice centers. produced fall in three areas of farming: cash grain, livestock and dairy. , Thursday, April 29, 1982 |