There are so many ways for people to raise crops and livestock. Not only are the products diverse, but so are the methods of production as well as the producers themselves. Unfortunately there is often a divide between certain types of agriculture, and the different types tend to fight each other concerning what might be the best way to reach the end result of feeding people. So you know where I’m coming from let’s review my background.
- I grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and popcorn on 2,300 acres of land
- Some of our crops are genetically modified organisms (GMO) and some are not. Our popcorn, in fact, is GMO free.
- Yes we use chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
- No glyphosate (RoundUp) is not the only herbicide farmers use, nor is Monsanto the end all authority for all of agriculture
- Conventional farmers are adopting new technologies and practices that allow us to use less fuel, chemicals, and fertilizers to produce more and better quality crops. Many of these practices like no-till, minimum till, and cover crops are reducing soil erosion and improving soil quality while keep crop nutrients in the field and out of waterways
From where I stand there are certainly operations larger than mine, but I suppose I fall into the category of “Big Ag” for a lot of people. A new label I read today is chemical farmer, so I guess you can call me that too. I read this while surfing for information about organic farming. This is the part where there is often a big divide in agriculture. Conventional farming, which is me, versus Organic Farming. These two groups often butt heads over who can produce more or better food, and what way is best in the long run.
Before I started this site a few months ago, I had a different opinion of organic than I do now. I wasn’t anti-organic, but I wasn’t out looking to buy food that was strictly labeled organic either. To me it was just a niche way of producing food that many people are interested in consuming. At the same time, I didn’t think it had much of an impact on the way I farm. On the other side, I find that there are organic farmers and eaters who very much dislike what I do for a living. Well, after joining twitter and beginning my blog, I really started connecting with other farmers and industry people and began learning more and more about different types of agriculture and how they can all work together to feed, clothe, and fuel this country and the world.
Along with organic farming I’ve been looking into urban farming as well. Often these types of farming can be one in the same. This video really got me thinking about how the way I farm can be combined with organic and urban to push our productivity even farther. In the video they state that New York has nearly 12,000 acres of usable rooftop that could grow food hydroponically. They are able to grow large amounts of fruits and vegetables in a relatively small space.
Do I think we are going to see metropolitan rooftops covered in plants in the very near future? No, but there seems to a pretty good case to do so. So how can I benefit from this type of agriculture? An increase in food grown in or very near urban centers on relatively small amounts of space (which I think lends itself to the more intensive organic system) could free up some of the crops I grow for their many other uses. Corn isn’t just used as livestock feed, food, or a food additive. It has many other uses. As I’m sure you know it can also be turned into ethanol for fuel in our vehicles. Yes, I know this leads to the whole food vs fuel debate, and you can see my thoughts on that in some of my other posts. Soybeans have an enormous amount of uses from animal feed, to cleaning products, and they can also be made into very effective lubricants. One thing many of the non-food products made from corn and soybeans have in common is that they allow us to get away from petroleum-based products. Petroleum has its place obviously, and always will, but I firmly believe the United States cannot continue relying on unstable countries as sources for our oil needs. It leads to volatile prices, which as well all know, are hitting us hard in an already tough economy. If we aren’t going to use our own oil resources we still are going to have to increase our energy independence to stabilize energy prices across the board. Along with bringing some consistency to the energy market, think of the jobs that would be created. I think this is one way all of agriculture can pull together and find some common ground. Overall, more food, fuel, and fiber will be produced in a sustainable way, and I think that’s really what we all want.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Great Post. Agree that we may have different views and opinions between the planting stage and the harvest stage but we all have one common goal in the end to produce sustainable fuel, fiber and food.
Thanks, Marie. I know that ethanol helps drive demand for corn, which I grow, but I really think cellulosic ethanol made from things that can produce a lot more ethanol than grain like switchgrass or even algae will be the future of alternative fuel. But like I stated in the post this could lead to freeing up corn for other uses. The demand will still be there, just in another form.
This is exactly the reason I am starting the Texas Crossroads Gathering. To use cowboy entertainers as a tool to advocate all agriculture through entertainment while at the same time promoting all genres of cowboy entertainment (poetry, music & storytelling). I would like to add two comments:
1) The 12,000 acres of roof tops in New York City will not be able to support as much hydroponic farming as one thinks because the weight of the plants (and water) is limited to structural soundness.
2) There really needs to be a push in this country to grow industrial hemp. There is no narcotic value to this plant, but an incredible number of uses, including fuel (methyl alcohol), is one of the highest concentrations of carbohydrates of any plant, can be made into high grade plastics and building material. I ran across a site a couple of weeks back where they built a factory combining the hemp fibers with resin..As strong as concrete block constructions and the insulation properties are high enough they needed NO heating or cooling systems as the temperature remained constant.
I have no knowledge of industrial hemp, but I’m definitely going to research it now. Thanks for the heads up! I don’t know about the weight issue with rooftop farming, but I’m sure it would need to be taken into consideration. I thought it was interesting to have a number of acres attached to it though. Kudos to you on starting the gathering, hopefully it will be a big hit!
Or industrial Hemp? )
You will be amazed when you research hemp. If Obama was really serious about alternative fuels we would be growing it.
The Texas Crossroads Gathering is going into its 4th year, and keeps getting a bit bigger. I’m going to be trying to line up entertainers to go to schools and advocate agriculture along with performing poetry, music and stories.
You are certainly right about the fact that there are different types of agriculture out there – and because of modern agriculture, we (and consumers) have a CHOICE in the food they buy! If they want to buy organic or grow their own garden – great. But we can’t feed the world doing that and keeping food prices affordable. I appreciate you taking the time as a farmer to express your views and way of life. We need more farmers like you doing this!
Thanks for taking time to read my blog, Kelsey. Choice is what it’s all about. If tomorrow everyone decided to stop using corn sugar that’s fine with me. I’ll stop raising waxy corn and grow more dent corn or soybeans. If the market changes, I’ll change too. If I’m “Big Ag” then so be it, I don’t have a problem with that. And if you’re a small farmer i don’t have a problem with that either. There’s a niche for all of us to fill.
Great article!
Four Country Gals is a Certified Organic Produce Farm because we won a competitive grant that stipulated we had to be Cert. Org.
That doesn’t make us any better than anyone else who is telling the truth about their processes.
I personally believe fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as meat and dairy should be raised, processed and consumed locally, as that will cut down on fossil fuel issues. Like you say, you can switch to another commodity crop that has a more consistent market.
As small market farmers, we have a responsibility to raise what the customers want to purchase. We fill a niche that would be a real pain for a larger farmer to fill.
Finally, after many years of circling the wagons and shooting at one another, there are several of us who believe we can share common ground are participating together, for the betterment of all agriculture.