In 1930, over 20% of the U.S. workforce was engaged in agriculture, highlighting how essential farming was to the economy and daily life. This significant portion of the population was involved in directly producing food, indicating that many families were connected to the land and farming practices.
In stark contrast, the modern era has seen a dramatic decline in this percentage, with less than 2% of Americans now working in agriculture. This shift reflects broader changes in society, including urbanization and industrialization, which have transformed the way food is produced and consumed.