Why Is Minnesota Good for Agriculture?
Minnesota has many resources that help people grow crops, raise animals, and produce goods and services. A resource is something people use to make or grow goods or provide services. Minnesota has rich soil, clean water, and a climate with four seasons. These resources help farmers grow many kinds of crops. They also help people raise animals for food, fiber, and other products.
Different parts of Minnesota have different resources.
Some areas have flat land and rich soil. These areas are good for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. Some areas have more grassland or pasture. These areas can be good for raising animals. Some areas have lakes, rivers, forests, or shorter growing seasons. People in these places may make different choices about how to use the land and resources.
People in other regions, cultures, and countries may also use resources in different ways. Their choices can depend on the land, climate, traditions, needs, and resources available to them.
Look at the map. What resources do you notice in different parts of Minnesota?
Matching
Match these 4 clues with the names of the growing areas on the right (A,B,C,D).
Think & Discuss
How do Minnesota’s soil, water, land, and climate help farmers decide what to grow or raise?
