The qualitative and quantitative changes taking place in Polish agriculture in the last century proved exceptional in the entire history of Poland. They concerned agricultural production, as well as the number and location of the rural population. This article discusses the agricultural situation in the following periods: before the 1stWorld War, in the 2nd Republic of Poland, in the People’s Republic of Poland, and in the recent transformation period after Poland’s accession to the European Union. Based on the statistical data and literature available, the authors compare the number and living conditions of the population, the agrarian structure, the sowing structure, the crops, the livestock, and the productivity of animals, as well as the production methods and technologies in Polish agriculture in various historical periods.