Throughout the course of this blog, I hope you have learned many new things. But more importantly, I hope this blog has fed your hunger for knowledge and only kindled a brighter flame inside of you.
Agriculture is the industry that keeps the world running. Without it, the world would starve and economies would crash. That is why it is so crucial that the world remain informed about the industry. As it continues to grow, there will be more mouths to feed. Generations will have to step up to face the challenge of how to do exactly that. The problem is not going away, and it is going to take creative minds to find a solution.
But agriculture is evolving. It is finding ways to feed the residents of countries that don't have economic structure or even the climate to support agricultural endeavors. Aquaponics has proven to be an efficient way to feed families, as well as help develop economies in third-world countries. Great ideas similar to that will surely come along, but only if we put our minds to it.
Ag isn't just something that the cowboys and cowgirls should care about. It affects everybody. So the next time you hear an ag headline in the news, stay on the channel a little bit longer, or take some extra time to read that article online. A more informed world, is a world better readied to take on the challenge of feeding its growing population.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Just like turkeys are an agricultural commodity, so is another holiday favorite. Many moments have been spent decorating its strongly scented, green boughs. Memories have been made around its glow after the lights have been strung up.
That's right. I'm talking about Christmas trees. Whole farms are devoted to these trees, which, believe it or not, are a part of the agricultural industry. Take a look at this family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm and what it takes to run a facility like it.
That's right. I'm talking about Christmas trees. Whole farms are devoted to these trees, which, believe it or not, are a part of the agricultural industry. Take a look at this family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm and what it takes to run a facility like it.
Turkey Time
Thanksgiving is drawing nearer and nearer, which means there is one thing on everybody's mind: turkey.
Ah, great bird of gravy and dressing. But really, where do these turkeys come from? Some people go out and shoot their own turkey in the woods. They may bring it back, pluck it, clean it and say it was all natural. Really, a quality bird can come from a farm and still be considered "all natural."
Turkeys are raised on farms just like chickens. People tend to think of them as a more seasonal commodity, but think of how often you eat turkey. It is in sandwiches at Subway. It is in store shelves in the ground form. It is in some bacon. It is in Lunchables. Turkey appears everywhere, and we don't even know how much we actually depend on the turkey farming industry to supply these birds.
Some farms may even let people come buy a bird to take home and clean themselves. It is all a matter of personal preference and how hard you look. Turkeys are everywhere, and it just takes a second to look to find them.
Ah, great bird of gravy and dressing. But really, where do these turkeys come from? Some people go out and shoot their own turkey in the woods. They may bring it back, pluck it, clean it and say it was all natural. Really, a quality bird can come from a farm and still be considered "all natural."
Turkeys are raised on farms just like chickens. People tend to think of them as a more seasonal commodity, but think of how often you eat turkey. It is in sandwiches at Subway. It is in store shelves in the ground form. It is in some bacon. It is in Lunchables. Turkey appears everywhere, and we don't even know how much we actually depend on the turkey farming industry to supply these birds.
Some farms may even let people come buy a bird to take home and clean themselves. It is all a matter of personal preference and how hard you look. Turkeys are everywhere, and it just takes a second to look to find them.
Q & A's with a "City Slicker"
In previous posts, we have covered common misconceptions that people have about agriculture, but the following is a real interview of a person who has never been around the industry. See if their answers surprise you, and see if you could have answered the question.
Q: Name three cuts of meat that come from beef cattle.
A: Ribs, ham, and roast. A: Rump roast, flat iron, ribeye.
Q: What is the main ingredient in bread?
A: Flour? A: Flour/wheat/yeast
Q: Where does flour come from?
A: I don't know, like grains, I guess? A: Wheat
Q: True or false: soils carry different amounts of nutrition based on location, moisture and temperature.
A: False A: True
Q: What are the steps in the processing of beef cattle?
A: Uh, from the farm to the slaughterhouse, to the factory to the store. A: Farm/feedlot to the slaughterhouse/processing (butcher), to distribution warehouses to store shelves.
Q: What is the process called by which plants make food?
A: Photosynthesis. CORRECT
Q: Name a sector of the agricultural industry.
A: Uh, plant production. A: Plant production is part of the industry but that could range from crops to Christmas trees.
Q: Name three cuts of meat that come from beef cattle.
A: Ribs, ham, and roast. A: Rump roast, flat iron, ribeye.
Q: What is the main ingredient in bread?
A: Flour? A: Flour/wheat/yeast
Q: Where does flour come from?
A: I don't know, like grains, I guess? A: Wheat
Q: True or false: soils carry different amounts of nutrition based on location, moisture and temperature.
A: False A: True
Q: What are the steps in the processing of beef cattle?
A: Uh, from the farm to the slaughterhouse, to the factory to the store. A: Farm/feedlot to the slaughterhouse/processing (butcher), to distribution warehouses to store shelves.
Q: What is the process called by which plants make food?
A: Photosynthesis. CORRECT
Q: Name a sector of the agricultural industry.
A: Uh, plant production. A: Plant production is part of the industry but that could range from crops to Christmas trees.
Supporting Local Economies
It is a warm, sunny Saturday morning and you're wondering what to do with your day. Some of your family members invite you to join them on their journey of garage sale-skipping when they mention stopping by the Farm and Art Market.
Local farmer's markets are a way that agriculture directly touches a community, even more so than in the obvious ways. Agriculture touches every community, but the process may be long and drawn out. Sometimes the process is so far removed that people don't know where their food came from; this happens more often than people think. But a farmer's market is one source of local growers providing goods and produce for the community.
Not only is this supporting local economies, but it is giving children and others a good visual to follow as to how the whole food-growing system works. It is an essential piece in the education of today's population in the industry that is agriculture.
So the next time you want to sleep in, give it a second thought and throw the sheets off. You never know what you will find at the farmer's market. One thing is for sure: you are supporting local producers.
Local farmer's markets are a way that agriculture directly touches a community, even more so than in the obvious ways. Agriculture touches every community, but the process may be long and drawn out. Sometimes the process is so far removed that people don't know where their food came from; this happens more often than people think. But a farmer's market is one source of local growers providing goods and produce for the community.
Not only is this supporting local economies, but it is giving children and others a good visual to follow as to how the whole food-growing system works. It is an essential piece in the education of today's population in the industry that is agriculture.
So the next time you want to sleep in, give it a second thought and throw the sheets off. You never know what you will find at the farmer's market. One thing is for sure: you are supporting local producers.
Monday, November 9, 2015
A Family Affair: The Scoop on Family Farming
One of the most common misconceptions that people have about the agricultural industry is the idea that corporate farming is taking over the industry. Some people will even scorn the industry because of their belief in this myth.
The reality of the situation is a statistic that anybody can find with a simple search. According to the USDA, family owned and operated farms make up 97.6% of the agricultural industry. ( http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2014-march/family-farming-in-the-united-states.aspx#.VkFZLZVdGpo )
That is a whopping number.
The same source also cites that family farms were responsible for the production of 96% of major field crops, which includes corn, wheat, cotton and soybeans. Not only do they produce 96% of those crops, but they produce 96% of hogs, poultry and eggs.
The only thing left to be disputed about this is what is considered the definition of "family farm." It means different things to different people and can be defined in various ways. In this instance, with these particular statistics, it is defined "as those whose principal operator and people related to the principal operator by blood or marriage own most of the farm business." (Quoted from the article in the link above)
So there you have it. Family farms. They're still around and still kicking.
The reality of the situation is a statistic that anybody can find with a simple search. According to the USDA, family owned and operated farms make up 97.6% of the agricultural industry. ( http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2014-march/family-farming-in-the-united-states.aspx#.VkFZLZVdGpo )
That is a whopping number.
The same source also cites that family farms were responsible for the production of 96% of major field crops, which includes corn, wheat, cotton and soybeans. Not only do they produce 96% of those crops, but they produce 96% of hogs, poultry and eggs.
The only thing left to be disputed about this is what is considered the definition of "family farm." It means different things to different people and can be defined in various ways. In this instance, with these particular statistics, it is defined "as those whose principal operator and people related to the principal operator by blood or marriage own most of the farm business." (Quoted from the article in the link above)
So there you have it. Family farms. They're still around and still kicking.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
You an' Me Going Fishin' in the Dark
"You an' me going fishin' in the dark."
The Nitty Gritty Band popularized this song and it became a theme song for many fishing enthusiasts throughout the years. But take a second to think about fishing a little deeper. People consume tons and tons of fish each year, and it is a popular dish in many countries.
Where do the supplies for these gourmet dishes come from? That's right. Fishing is a part of the agricultural industry. Many people in the Midwest don't think of it as so because Kansas is situated as far from the coasts as possible. Commercial fishing isn't an industry in Kansas. Catfish is popular, but it doesn't play a large role in the ag industry like wheat, cattle and other products do.
On the coasts, however, fishing is one of the largest industries. Not only does it provide the fish for eating, but it creates jobs, as well. Then, you think about the fish by-products like fish oil or eggs, which also bring in revenue.
Think back to the post about aquaponics. The fish used in that process can also be sold commercially or even kept for people's own use.
The Nitty Gritty Band popularized this song and it became a theme song for many fishing enthusiasts throughout the years. But take a second to think about fishing a little deeper. People consume tons and tons of fish each year, and it is a popular dish in many countries.
Where do the supplies for these gourmet dishes come from? That's right. Fishing is a part of the agricultural industry. Many people in the Midwest don't think of it as so because Kansas is situated as far from the coasts as possible. Commercial fishing isn't an industry in Kansas. Catfish is popular, but it doesn't play a large role in the ag industry like wheat, cattle and other products do.
On the coasts, however, fishing is one of the largest industries. Not only does it provide the fish for eating, but it creates jobs, as well. Then, you think about the fish by-products like fish oil or eggs, which also bring in revenue.
Think back to the post about aquaponics. The fish used in that process can also be sold commercially or even kept for people's own use.
Feeding the World: A Closer Look at Aquaponics
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| youngagropreneur.wordpress.com |
Agriculturalists don't quite have a clear answer yet, but they have several steps that can help accomplish this task. One of those reasons is a practice called aquaponics.
Aquaponics is a process by which produce can be grown in a soilless medium, specifically, water and stones. To the lower left is a diagram of how exactly an aquaponics system would be set up.
What makes these systems unique is that some of the water reservoirs underneath the plant bed will serve as a home to fish. The fish droppings are also filtered and circulated to serve as fertilizer for the plants above.
Aquaponics is even expanding to help third world countries to develop an industry, as well as feed the country's population.
Really many vegetables can be grown this way, and the health value is the same as grown in a soil medium. It is just one way agriculture is expanding and changing to meet the world's needs.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Halloween's Biggest Commodity
Pumpkin patches have become an icon of pop culture today. Teenaged girls tweet and make statuses about how they just want to go on a pumpkin patch date. Families bring their children to pick out a pumpkin and play on the attractions that come with it. Not only these things, but the pumpkin industry has boomed within the last few years. Starbucks came out with the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which skyrocketed in popularity. According to a rough estimate from an online Forbes article, Starbucks sells 20 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes a year and makes about $80 million a year from them. (http://www.forbes.com//)
Now, if you were to visit your local grocery store, you would find pumpkin flavored granola bars, muffins, cookies, frosting, ice cream, smoothies, bread, chapstick and much more. The pumpkin flavor has taken the world by storm. The 2012 overall value of the pumpkin crop was more than $148.9 million, and has certainly gone up with the rising popularity of the vegetable. (http://www.agmrc.org/commodities__products/vegetables/pumpkins/)
So as you go pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or you order that Pumpkin Spice Latte, just remember where it came from.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Journalism as a Part of Agriculture
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| raquelisabroad.wordpress.com |
Journalism is the way that the world gets information. It keeps the world informed, inflamed and interested about what is going on around them. The topics covered in the news fall under a plethora of categories, and agriculture is one of them. However, the specific part of the agricultural industry that acts like journalism is actually called agricultural communications, or ag comm for short.
Ag comm does everything that journalism does. Ag magazines, newspapers, journals, blogs, radio talk shows, and social media accounts are all outlets of sending information to the audience. With ag comm, the audience is a very specific group of people, where as journalism is meant for a broader audience. As is obvious, most agricultural publications pertain to farmers, ranchers, industry leaders, industry advocacy organizations and even just industry supporters.
The content of agricultural publications also vary from regular journalism, which seems obvious, but it is also a different approach. Agriculture isn't covered on a breaking news-breaking scandal basis. Coverage of the industry includes news, but it is covered on a more informational scale. However, this isn't to say that controversial content doesn't exist in ag media. Topics like Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Artificial Insemination (AI), pest control and animal "treatment." This is where outside organizations try to influence what content is published about these topics.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Beyond the Sows, Cows and Plows: Part 2
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| www.beefriendlysj.com |
Beekeeping is one part of the agricultural industry that certainly doesn't get the most thought. It's also not the most attractive career to be in, because who wants to risk getting stung all the time? Even if it sounds crazy, there are people out there that suit up and tend to the hives every single day.
Just lend a thought to all the different foods that have honey as an ingredient. Chances are that you thought of at least five food products, but you're sure there are plenty more that you don't know about.
Here are a few facts about the bee and honey industry from http://www.agmrc.org/commodities__products/livestock/bees-profile/ that might blow your mind:
- There are 115,000 to 125,000 beekeepers in the United States.
- In 2013, about 149 million pounds of raw honey was produced in the United States.
- The value of honeybee pollination to crops was about 19 billion dollars.
- 60% of honey production is due to 1,600 commercial beekeepers.
Hopefully this insight has created some 'buzz' in your mind to learn more. The link up above has more general information, but a Google search is definitely always helpful.
For now, good day.
Beyond the Sows, Cows and Plows
"Farming" is one of the biggest keywords in the agricultural industry today. Not only is it what people instantly think of when they think of the industry, but it is most commonly seen as a blanket term that captures the whole of the industry in seven letters.
Agriculture is not just about farming.
Within this and the next several posts, we will take a look at different areas of the industry that people come across in their everyday lives, but don't realize that those things are actually part of the agricultural industry.
Today's post is going to focus specifically on a sector of the industry that comes to play at weddings, proms, homecomings, date nights, funerals, festivals, parades, pageants, and whenever a guy wants to surprise his girl.
That's right. I'm talking flowers.
More specifically, I'm talking floriculture.
The word 'floriculture' literally means the cultivation and culture of flowers. Floriculture spans from greenhouse production and care of flowers to floral arrangement to large scale production of flowers for retail. So that corsage that bought or wore in high school to prom was a tiny piece in the puzzle that is the agricultural industry. The casket spray you see on top of caskets at funerals is also a part of the ag industry.
Flowers are such a common thing to us that it is easy to overlook where they come from and what industry is actually being supported by their purchase. Something that people always seem to overlook about flowers is that many of the ones they find to be the most beautiful are genetically modified.
People tend to balk at talk of GMOs, which we discussed several posts ago, but they don't even realize that some of the new colors seen in their favorite flowers are due to genetic splicing. Odd how they are appreciated for beauty but when it comes to keeping animals and crops healthy and strong against damaging agents, suddenly the tables have turned.
Everything is not what it seems, which is part of what this blog is about. Farming is not just farming. Agriculture is not just farming.
Until next time, keep your seed open for water.
Agriculture is not just about farming.
Within this and the next several posts, we will take a look at different areas of the industry that people come across in their everyday lives, but don't realize that those things are actually part of the agricultural industry.
Today's post is going to focus specifically on a sector of the industry that comes to play at weddings, proms, homecomings, date nights, funerals, festivals, parades, pageants, and whenever a guy wants to surprise his girl.
That's right. I'm talking flowers.
More specifically, I'm talking floriculture.
The word 'floriculture' literally means the cultivation and culture of flowers. Floriculture spans from greenhouse production and care of flowers to floral arrangement to large scale production of flowers for retail. So that corsage that bought or wore in high school to prom was a tiny piece in the puzzle that is the agricultural industry. The casket spray you see on top of caskets at funerals is also a part of the ag industry.
Flowers are such a common thing to us that it is easy to overlook where they come from and what industry is actually being supported by their purchase. Something that people always seem to overlook about flowers is that many of the ones they find to be the most beautiful are genetically modified.
People tend to balk at talk of GMOs, which we discussed several posts ago, but they don't even realize that some of the new colors seen in their favorite flowers are due to genetic splicing. Odd how they are appreciated for beauty but when it comes to keeping animals and crops healthy and strong against damaging agents, suddenly the tables have turned.
Everything is not what it seems, which is part of what this blog is about. Farming is not just farming. Agriculture is not just farming.
Until next time, keep your seed open for water.
Monday, September 21, 2015
The Next Generation of Agriculturalists: (Part 2)
In the title of this post and its previous counterpart, I use the word 'agriculturalist.' Merriam-Webster's definition of 'agriculturalist' is this:
"[Someone who partakes in] the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products."
However, this formal definition seems stiff and gives the impression to people that they don't apply. They aren't farmers, therefore they are not agriculturalists. This couldn't be more wrong.
Everybody can be agriculturalists. You don't have to raise cattle. You don't have to grow soybeans. You don't have to subscribe to the stereotypical view of 'farm life.' Being an agriculturalist is as simple as sharing this post, or sharing a link to this blog, on any form of social media. Advocacy is a fancy word for spreading knowledge and information.
I bet you have done this multiple times in your life--whether it's by sharing an article you read on Facebook, or tell your friend about the video you watched on YouTube. The same idea applies to agriculture. Reading up on the headlines or talking to people from the industry are ways to gain knowledge, but it takes that extra step of sharing that information to become an agriculturalist, and, in turn, an advocate.
Being an FFA member is all about being advocates. Every FFA member became that when they put on the blue jacket. The members of this organization serve their communities and help further the industry in ways that is almost unbelievable for youth to do. Not only that, but the FFA helps to prep students entering the work force, whether it's agriculture or another industry. The skills learned in this organization are skills that can be used for the remainder of the member's life.
It's not just an organization about farming. It's an organization about preparing for the future and what that entails. Think back to some of my previous posts.
The world is growing, and it needs someone to step up and provide for it. Food has to be put on the table for billions of people, and there is only one industry that can accomplish that.
The FFA organization is about preparing the next generation of agriculturalists, because those agriculturalists are the ones who will be providing for the world.
The Next Generation of Agriculturalists
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| (wynnewood.k12.us) |
"I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds -- achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years." (https://www.ffa.org/about/who-we-are/ffa-creed)
These words are more than just words. They embody a special meaning to a group of people across the nation. Just like these words are not just words, this group of people is not just a group of people. They are a powerhouse organization based on education, advocacy, growth, leadership, community, job preparation and family.
This organization is the FFA. What once used to be the Future Farmers of America is just now the FFA, only standing for Agricultural Education.
That passage that began this post is the lead-off paragraph in the FFA Creed, a piece of writing by E.M. Tiffany that expresses the beliefs of this organization and its members.
So there you have it. An organization of youth striving to learn and advocate about agriculture while building life skills.
Maybe you've never heard of the FFA. That's fine; many people haven't. Here are some numbers that will blow your mind a little bit about this organization of which you've never heard. (https://www.ffa.org/about/what-is-ffa/ffa-history )
- There are 610,240 FFA members nationwide who are anywhere between ages 12 and 18, plus those who choose to pursue FFA into their collegiate career.
- Across the nation and including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, there are 7,665 FFA chapters.
- The FFA was formed in 1928 when 33 members gathered in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Women were not allowed to join until 1969, and now women make up over 45 percent of the membership, as well as half of all state leadership positions.
- Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Bo Jackson and Jordy Nelson were all FFA members. Nelson was a member of a Kansas chapter: Riley County. Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas, was also an FFA member. Even Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States was an FFA member. (http://www.porknetwork.com/e-newsletters/pork-daily/Lighter-Side-Taylor-Swift-and-other-famous-FFA-members-254371491.html )
With this in mind, it's likely that a good fraction of the people you are friends with, or just come into contact with, are members or are alumni of the FFA. Wearing the blue corduroy jacket isn't just a phase of life; it's a way of life.
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| Photo by Ally Burr |
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
In the Headlines
In the previous post, we touched on media as portrayed by the media. This post will be taking that a step further.
The article below is an example of GMOs making an appearance in today's news, and, unexpectedly, in the presidential election. They are quickly becoming an issue that is being more and more talked about.
This article will provide just a little more knowledge to go into the files of your mind and expand the perspective with which you look at the industry. It is important to hear many different viewpoints, especially about topics like GMOs. Take a look about candidate Rand Paul's outlook on GMOs.
http://dailycaller.com
The article below is an example of GMOs making an appearance in today's news, and, unexpectedly, in the presidential election. They are quickly becoming an issue that is being more and more talked about.
This article will provide just a little more knowledge to go into the files of your mind and expand the perspective with which you look at the industry. It is important to hear many different viewpoints, especially about topics like GMOs. Take a look about candidate Rand Paul's outlook on GMOs.
http://dailycaller.com
(dailycaller.com)
A Few Clouds and Controversy
The voice of Paul Harvey resounded across the nation in February 2013 as attention was called back to one of the largest industries in the United States.
Media has played different roles for the agricultural industry, whether it's networking about pest management practices, advertising equipment or, in this case, shedding light on the industry when the most people will be there to receive it.
However, ag in the media is not always a positive thing. In the last several years, organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have seized every opportunity to spread rumors and propaganda, most of which goes against what the industry is about. PETA has even begun to target young children, and have even produced comics made for kids called "Your Daddy Kills Animals" and "Your Mommy Kills Animals." (http://vegcourtesy.blogspot.com)
Another key player spreading falsehoods about the industry is one that not many would think of.
Chipotle.
Yeah, they have awesome burritos and scrumptious bowls but they have been throwing around some not-so-savory words about the agricultural industry.
Within recent years, Chipotle has launched campaigns like "Food With Integrity" and the Cultivate Foundation. Their main focus is "advocating" for free-roaming animals that are raised "properly" and without antibiotics, synthetic food, etc.
Also recently, Chipotle has launched a series on Hulu called "Farmed and Dangerous" that they consider to be "satire." The main focus is about what animals are being fed, which, according to Chipotle is straight petroleum tablets.
When faced with propaganda, whether good or bad, it's essential to seek the facts. It's also important to keep in mind that every industry has flaws; ag is not excluded from that. But that's why the facts and becoming informed matters. That's why this blog matters.
It's up to each of you to keep your seed growing. Seek the facts and let it grow.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Getting Exposed to Sunlight: Late Morning Rays (Part 2)
So the seed seeks sunlight.
Last post, we introduced one of the problems facing the agricultural industry: lack of knowledge. Also last time, we briefly touched on some misconceptions in the dairy farming industry. This post will be focused more on the crop production side of the industry.
In recent years, headlines exploded into the news with differing views on a new technology called Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs, for short. A GMO is, according to the FDA (Food & Drug Administration):
Last post, we introduced one of the problems facing the agricultural industry: lack of knowledge. Also last time, we briefly touched on some misconceptions in the dairy farming industry. This post will be focused more on the crop production side of the industry.
In recent years, headlines exploded into the news with differing views on a new technology called Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs, for short. A GMO is, according to the FDA (Food & Drug Administration):
"Genetic engineering is the name for certain methods that scientists use to introduce new traits or characteristics to an organism. For example, plants may be genetically engineered to produce characteristics to enhance the growth or nutritional profile of food crops. While these technique are sometimes referred to as "genetic modification," FDA considers “genetic engineering” to be the more precise term. Food and food ingredients from genetically engineered plants were introduced into our food supply in the 1990s." -http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch
Crops are not altered to make people act differently or to brainwash them or even to give them cancer, as some people think. Crops are altered for the well-being of the crop, and on a larger scale, the well-being of the world population.
Some modifications include changing a crop's resistance to a certain type of moth that has been damaging the yield more and more each year. Another example may be changing the genetics of a crop to be more resistant to low water intake. Crops engineered to live and grow steadily on little water are what keeps the industry alive in times of drought, the likes of which Kansas experienced these past few years.
Below is a graphic that gives insight on to which types of crops have undergone consultations with the FDA to become genetically modified. This graphic was current as of April 1st, 2013.
("Figure 1. Number of Consultations on Genetically Engineered Crops." http://www.fda.gov )
Corn, as is obvious, is a heavy hitter. It's pretty common to see corn when it is in season because it is a large part of the ag market in Kansas. But just how large?
566 million bushels large.
Think about the number of people that corn feeds. It's hard to imagine. But a lot of that corn was made possible because of genetic modifications to increase resistance to insect pests. Where would Kansas be without that crop?
The price of corn would rise. Kansas is a large producer of corn, and without Kansas, the corn industry would take a hit. Corn chips would rise in price. Simple canned corn would rise in price. Corn on the cob may become extremely hard to find. All of these things affect the consumer. They affect you.
GMOs aren't just a headline to be looked over the next time you see it. Stop and take a look, and feed your growing knowledge.
Getting Exposed to Sunlight: A Few Rays (Part 1)
One of the greatest divides in today's society is that between the agricultural society and the rest of the population. Today, it seems that the gap continues to widen and the average American is more likely to subscribe to untruths and rumors than get to the root of a source to learn the facts.
The agriculture industry faces this problem more than any other industry out there. Many Americans don't know where their food comes from, and instead assume it comes from dirty, unethical corporate farms. Many Americans don't understand the science and benefits of genetically modified crops, but believe that they are harmful.
But hopefully, one day that will change. That's why blogs like this one exist. Everyone in the agricultural industry is an advocate for the education of the general public about the industry that is the backbone of the world.
Below is a video taking a quick look at one of the spokes in the giant wheel of the agricultural industry: dairy farming.
For more information about dairy farming and related topics, go to http://www.uddertruth.org/ and give the seed in your mind more nutrients to grow on.
Animal farming is not the only part of the industry to come under fire. Recent technological advances have given us an insight into the genes of some of the crops that are a staple in the United States market, as well as the market here in Kansas. The next post will look into the crop production side of the most common misconceptions, as well as the involvement of big corporations in the heated debate about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
Until next time, keep the seed growing.
The agriculture industry faces this problem more than any other industry out there. Many Americans don't know where their food comes from, and instead assume it comes from dirty, unethical corporate farms. Many Americans don't understand the science and benefits of genetically modified crops, but believe that they are harmful.
But hopefully, one day that will change. That's why blogs like this one exist. Everyone in the agricultural industry is an advocate for the education of the general public about the industry that is the backbone of the world.
Below is a video taking a quick look at one of the spokes in the giant wheel of the agricultural industry: dairy farming.
Animal farming is not the only part of the industry to come under fire. Recent technological advances have given us an insight into the genes of some of the crops that are a staple in the United States market, as well as the market here in Kansas. The next post will look into the crop production side of the most common misconceptions, as well as the involvement of big corporations in the heated debate about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
Until next time, keep the seed growing.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Just A Little Bit of Water
The world is an enormous place. Over 7 billion people call this earth home. While 7 billion seems like an unfathomable amount of people, here's something to fathom: it's going to continue to increase. Now, you're probably thinking, well what do the amount of people in the world have to do with agriculture? What does it have to do with me?
So think of something that you do three times a day. I'll give you a hint, your stomach acts as an alarm clock to remind you to do this every day.
I'm talking about eating.
Think of your favorite three meals. Now think of your favorite snacks. So you've got this mental list of what you like to eat every day. Take that list and multiply it by 7 billion.
The world has to eat, too, you know.
If you can't imagine the number of people in the world, then the amount of food the world consumes as a whole is something that most people can't wrap their minds around.
As of today, August 28th, 2015, the world has consumed over 207 million tons of meat just this year. (www.theworldcounts.com) That number is constantly rising. Meat is just one part of a diet, too. Think about wheat and its by-products like flour. Then lend a thought to corn and everything that is made from it. Food is one of the biggest parts of our lives, and it comes straight from the things that agriculture produces.
Let's say you are a native to Topeka, Kansas. If you drive in any direction outside of the city, the answer to my question becomes clear. Those food products come from the fields and farming operations that you would see on your drive outside the capitol city.
For now, that is just a little bit of water to keep the seed of knowledge inside your mind wanting to grow. The next post to come will shed some sunlight on the role that Kansas plays in the big picture. In the meantime, think a little bit next time you sit down to eat about where your food came from.
So think of something that you do three times a day. I'll give you a hint, your stomach acts as an alarm clock to remind you to do this every day.
I'm talking about eating.
Think of your favorite three meals. Now think of your favorite snacks. So you've got this mental list of what you like to eat every day. Take that list and multiply it by 7 billion.
The world has to eat, too, you know.
If you can't imagine the number of people in the world, then the amount of food the world consumes as a whole is something that most people can't wrap their minds around.
As of today, August 28th, 2015, the world has consumed over 207 million tons of meat just this year. (www.theworldcounts.com) That number is constantly rising. Meat is just one part of a diet, too. Think about wheat and its by-products like flour. Then lend a thought to corn and everything that is made from it. Food is one of the biggest parts of our lives, and it comes straight from the things that agriculture produces.
Let's say you are a native to Topeka, Kansas. If you drive in any direction outside of the city, the answer to my question becomes clear. Those food products come from the fields and farming operations that you would see on your drive outside the capitol city.
For now, that is just a little bit of water to keep the seed of knowledge inside your mind wanting to grow. The next post to come will shed some sunlight on the role that Kansas plays in the big picture. In the meantime, think a little bit next time you sit down to eat about where your food came from.
Feeding the Population: It Starts With A Seed
I, Ally Burr, didn't wake up one morning with a newfound knowledge of one of the largest industries in the world. I had to search for the information and make an effort to learn what I have. It didn't help that I was not from a farm family. I was just a person with a hunger for knowledge.
Eighth-grade year was the first time I became exposed to agriculture, and it was through a class. Really, I had been exposed to agriculture my entire life -- everyone has -- but it was a matter of opening my eyes to an industry that will last as long as people do. From that point on, I took all the classes I could to learn about agriculture. Even further, I joined a nationwide organization for youth called the FFA, which allowed me to learn even more about the agricultural industry.
My journey has taught me a multitude of things, many of which I will share through the course of this blog. Just like a plant's roots search for water in the soil, the agricultural industry is looking to expand, but what it needs, the water for the industry, are people to help it grow. Growing doesn't necessarily mean every single person racing out and joining the industry right this second. Sometimes, it simply means being informed and aware. By the end of this blog, I hope that is what you, my reader, will gain: knowledge and awareness.
So, let's not delay anymore. The seed has been planted in your mind. How about let's give it some water?
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