Chapter 19 Agricultural and Related Technology
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came from Asia. The Middle East, southern
Europe, and North Africa gave us the
common grains. This region also was the
home of sugar beets, alfalfa, and most
grasses. Crops can be divided into several
major groups:
• Grains. These are members of the
grass family grown for their edible
seeds. See Figure 19-3. This group
includes wheat, rice, corn (maize),
barley, oats, rye, and sorghum.
Grains are the main food energy
source for about 75% of the world’s
population. All the grains can be used
in processed human food. Also, they
can be used to produce oils, such as
soybean, corn, and canola oils. Grains
are widely used for animal feed.
Figure 19-2. Crops and livestock are grown on farms and ranches. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Figure 19-3. Grains are a major food crop. (Deere and Company)