Abstract

Swedish agriculture in the 1950s deviated from general Western European patterns as the increased use of purchased inputs was not accompanied by sharply increased outputs. Instead, some crop yields declined, some were stagnant, and some increased, primarily wheat. There was an increase in pork whereas other animal products were unchanged or reduced, especially the total production of milk. At the same time the Swedish population increased, which meant a decline in total output per capita. This was, however, no problem as Sweden was already self-sufficient with food, and the authorities were glad to avoid surpluses. On the input side, the area of arable land decreased, and the labor force declined drastically, primarily due to fewer smallholdings and fewer employees on the largest farms. Moreover, the decade saw a huge wave of mechanization, in the form of tractors, and an increased use of artificial fertilizers, which were valued for their time-saving potential rather than their yield-increasing effects.

Keywords

Agrarian history, 1950s, inputs

Published in

Agricultural History
2015, Volume: 89, number: 4, pages: 559-583

SLU Authors

• Martiin, Carin

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all


UKÄ Subject classification

History
Economic History
Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3098/ah.2015.089.4.559

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/68980