intensive farming

USAGE SUMMARY

'intensive farming' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in situations when a farmer uses increased inputs of labor and capital to increase the yield and productivity of a crop, such as "intensive farming has been deployed in many parts of North America to increase crop yields."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I knew about intensive farming.

The Guardian

Many blamed the outbreak on intensive farming.

The Economist

The panel identifies three disastrous consequences of intensive farming.

The Guardian

They already think they know the main cause: intensive farming.

Independent

Since the Industrial Revolution, intensive farming techniques have decreased the quality and health benefits of meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not all of it is pretty: some 60% is used for intensive farming.

The Economist

THANKS to intensive farming techniques, salmon is now one of the cheapest foods on the market.

The Economist

UK-based EdenTree says it has been offering an ethical investment fund that excludes intensive farming companies since 2012.

The Guardian

In reality, we often stayed in motels with highly intensive farming businesses operating as separate, parallel concerns.

The Guardian - Travel

But others have found intensive farming impossible to cope with, and the number of species has declined.

The Economist

Emissions mostly come from vehicle exhausts, factories, artificial fertilisers and manure from intensive farming.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the environmental impact of agriculture, use "intensive farming" to specifically highlight methods that maximize yield through concentrated resource use. This provides a clear distinction from sustainable or organic approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "intensive farming" interchangeably with all modern agriculture. While many modern farms use intensive methods, the term should be reserved for practices characterized by high inputs and outputs to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresenting diverse farming approaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensive farming" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of agricultural practice, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensive farming" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that describes a specific approach to agriculture focused on maximizing output through increased inputs. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general information. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. While effective in conveying specific agricultural practices, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and recognize the distinction between "intensive farming" and other agricultural methods. Common errors involve using the phrase loosely, when a more specific term could be used to describe the agricultural practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensive crop production

Emphasizes the intensive cultivation of crops.

factory farming

Implies a more industrial and often controversial form of intensive agriculture, focusing on livestock.

high-input farming

Focuses on the significant inputs of resources required.

high-yield agriculture

Focuses on the outcome of increased production rather than the methods used.

industrial agriculture

Highlights the industrial scale and methods applied to farming.

concentrated animal feeding operation

Specifically refers to intensive livestock farming with a high concentration of animals.

modern agriculture

A broader term encompassing various modern farming techniques, including intensive methods.

conventional farming

Refers to traditional, widespread farming practices, often involving intensive methods.

commercial farming

Highlights the commercial aspect and scale of the farming operation.

integrated farming

Involves combining different farming practices to maximize efficiency and output.

FAQs

What are the main characteristics of "intensive farming"?

"Intensive farming" typically involves high inputs of capital, labor, and resources such as fertilizers and pesticides to maximize crop yield and livestock production. It often focuses on monoculture and aims for efficiency and profitability.

How does "intensive farming" differ from "extensive farming"?

"Intensive farming" focuses on maximizing output per unit of land using significant inputs, while "extensive farming" uses larger areas of land with minimal inputs, relying more on natural resources and processes.

What are the environmental impacts associated with "intensive farming"?

"Intensive farming" can lead to environmental problems such as soil degradation, water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, practices such as "precision agriculture" aim to mitigate some of these impacts.

What are some alternatives to "intensive farming" that promote sustainability?

Alternatives to "intensive farming" include "organic farming", "agroecology", and "regenerative agriculture", which focus on ecological balance, biodiversity, and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs. These approaches aim to create more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.