Denmark uses 64 percent of its land for farming.Most farms are between 100 to 150 acres. Until 1880 wheat was the most important product. Wheat prices fell, so production went to hogs, eggs, and milk. Farmers organized cooperative dairies and slaughter houses. They even shared equipment and profits. Today there are many cooperatives in all parts of farming. But only 8% of Danes still work on farms.
Denmark does not have a lot of natural resources. They have a few deposits of minerals and some natural gases. Oil fields have been producing petroleum since 1972 and natural gas since 1984. The only deposits of natural resources are limestone, clay, gravel, granite and kaolin. Denmark needs to import all of its raw metal, coal, and oil.
Raising pigs and dairy cattle are the principal form of income in Denmark. Because of the large number of animals most of there crops and vegetables are grown and some are used for there animals. 2 millon eggs are exported from Denmark a year. They also produce three times there own food requirements. They also produce meat, dairy, and poultry. Their cheeses and ham are known for their quality. Their ham, bacon, and butter are popular in Britain and Germany.
Denmark is trying to develop pollution free energy sources. In 1980 Denmark decided not to develop nuclear energy. There engineers are experimenting with other energy schemes such as biogas produced from industrial waste, bleached earth, and cattle manure. Strong winds from the sea have enormous potential. There are hundreds of wind turbins throughout the Danish country sides. The wind turbine today is a giant propeller attatched to the top of a huge metal pillar.
Some of the most important industrial products are ceramics, eletrical goods, medical goods, textiles and
toys. Denmark's experience in making electrical goods has been transfered to the new
growth area of high-tech computer equipment. A lot of the most successful Danish
computer firms are those that sepecilize in developing computer software for use in the
industry. Usually a Danish firm employs a hunderd people or less. The larger firms make
advanced machinery and chemical products. One of the biggest firms employs about 12,000
people.
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