Ever since I went to an Agricultural sciences high school, I have been fascinated with agriculture and it’s influence on all of the worlds economy. Agribusiness and agricultural technology peaks my interest because how we survive depends on it. Ag is responsible for what we eat, wear, and the majority of everything else consumers purchase. Our current agricultural systems are failing us, causing environmental damage and life threatening health issues. If we do not put a halt to our current agricultural practices, the downfall of our planet will happen sooner than anyone could have anticipated. Specifically, the influence of livestock farming and crop farming on the environment (with a focus on top soil) is what peaks my interest most. I will use my education on the risks of current farming practices to curate probable solutions with environmental technology. I truly believe meat like poultry, pork, beef, and fish are meant to be eaten. However, vegetarianism and veganism are substantially more sustainable because of the mechanical, inhumane, and greedy livestock industry in place. The top meat packers such as Tyson, Cargill, and JBS source animals from inhumane farming practices we’re animals are packed in nose-to-tail. Then they are transported to a meat packing house to be butchered unhygienically. This combination creates a breeding ground for diseases, leading to health risk to our population. I am so passionate about inheriting sustainable livestock practices because I love culture and food is a huge part of that. The produce industry is not off the hook either. Land used for crop farming limits habitat for wildlife and deteriorates soil health. Use of pesticides kills soil pH and ruins seeds natural resistance to disease. Monsanto is a leading seed and herbicide producer. They dominate crop culture with GMOs use and by restricting the freedom of local farmers with patented seeds. There is a long road ahead to proper farming practices. Going organic, free-range/ grass fed, and most importantly locally sourced are the first step. These poor practices in the food insulated to environmental and human health. Livestock and crops ruin soil health stripping it of nutrients and life. Soil is a the outer layer of our planet. Despite its shallow depth, it sustains all life. Without soil, we cannot live. Farming cannot take place, which is why it is so important to research it. The effects of corporate farming on soil health needs to be highlighted and acted upon. Corporations need to be held accountable for the damage they have done. By collecting evidence on soil research it is possible to make these companies face the receipts. I am a freshman in college and see no time for me to waste in educating myself and others on this issue. Fixing the Agricultural industry with environmental research will yield a brighter planet. We need to start sooner rather than later.