The Von Thunen Model

Despite its age, the Von Thunen model is still a helpful tool in predicting the agricultural regions of the world, and can be applied to the state of Minnesota in many ways. Distance from the market, the climate of the region, and transportation costs are all important aspects of the 1826 model that hold true in today’s modern setting. This model is vital for understanding where and why commercial agriculture is practiced and how that placement affects the products we buy.
One aspect that supports the Von Thunen model in the region of Minnesota is the distance to the market. Market gardening and dairy farming, which are more likely to spoil, are located closer to Minnesota’s central market of the Twin Cities, while grains and beef cows, belonging to the fourth and fifth rings of the Von Thunen model, tend to be cultivated farther away, in the northernmost and west regions of the state (Color Maps). On a national scale, this still holds true - the lower half of Minnesota, which practices agriculture far more than the top half, is close to other big cities such as Chicago and Detroit. This makes agricultural products accessible to a variety of markets. …show more content…
A combination of frequent precipitation, moderate heat and fertile soil during the summer allow crops like corn to grow (Maize). The lower half of Minnesota fits these requirements well and is included in the Corn Belt (Corn and Climate). When growing crops, farmers must be aware of which crops produce the highest yield while still being maintainable. Higher yields can in turn be sold for more money, desirable for farmers involved in commercial agriculture, which is one assumption of the Von Thunen model. Minnesotan farmers might choose to grow corn in order to adapt to the regional climate and increase their yields. This is one example of how climate can affect placement of farms in the

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