Traditional, labor‐intensive, capital intensive and experimental methods of agricultural production are analyzed in terms of cultural energy input and yield potential. Comparative energy efficiencies are computed and assessed for both primary and auxiliary agricultural operations. Specific environmental planning strategies are suggested for implementation based on energy limitations and land constraints. It is concluded that both labor‐intensive and capital‐intensive technologies can be further refined and implemented to produce an optimal mix of labor and machinery to minimize energy use and environmental deterioration.