Category Archives: National

What’s it Like to Have 150 People in for Dinner?

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Rich Lee (Iowa)

It may be hard to imagine feeding 150 people, unless you are an American farmer. Each year the average farmer in this country produces enough food for over 150 people. This is the greatest level of production in history and it continues to just get better. The reality is that it has to. A glance into a crystal ball suggests that farmers may need to perhaps double that level of production in the future. Impossible, you say?  Maybe not. Look … Continue reading →

Posted in National, Profitability | View Comments

Ag Week: A Time to Reflect on What Farming Means to You

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Chris Cook (National)

By 2050, predictions are there will be 9 billion people on planet earth.  Farmland is limited.  How do we feed a growing world population? Answer: Get more from existing farmland. Water is essential for life. By 2050, 4 billion people will live in countries with water scarcity.  As water becomes a scarce resource, how do we conserve it? Answer: Grow food using less water. Biodiversity is under threat.  As the world’s population grows, more wilderness is being cultivated for food.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Minnesota, National, National Ag Week | View Comments

Tassel Time

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Rich Lee (Iowa)

If it feels that life is too busy, and you can only find the time to take one really good look at your corn crop between planting and harvest, then make that one time happen at tasseling. Sure, it is probably the most uncomfortable time to be walking around in a corn field. With the summer heat, humidity, corn rash, and bugs crawling into places where bugs should not be, it is no picnic out there. Still, it is one … Continue reading →

Posted in Infestations, Insects, National, Nitrogen Efficiency, Pests, Scouting, Weed Control | View Comments