The sweeping changes that took place in
British agriculture over the period 1750-1850
in response to the increased demand for food
from a rapidly expanding population. Recent
research has shown these changes to be only
part of a much larger, ongoing process of
development. Changes of the latter half of
the 18th century included the enclosure of
open fields, the introduction of four-course
rotation together with new fodder crops such
as turnip, and the development of improved
breeds of livestock. Pioneers of the new
farming were Viscount Townshend (known as
`Turnip' Townshend), Jethro Tull, Robert
Bakewell, and enlightened landowners such as
Thomas Coke of Norfolk (1752-1842). Many of
the changes were in fact underway before 1750
and other breakthroughs, such as farm
mechanisation, did not occur until after
1859. Scientific and technological advances
in farming during the second half of the 20th
century have further revolutionized
agriculture.