When it comes to achieving measurable results toward sustaining human existence, what all humans need is food. If society cannot get food right, what else matters?
We can argue about all other things, and hold strong opinions about core values and issues, but at the end of the day, nutrition matters. Identifying the goal, taking measured action toward the goal with maintenance along the growth of the crop allows for real results.
There is a whole lot of detail and knowledge that allows for the successful outcome, and those details came from generations of learning. Getting beyond the books and doing the work makes a successful farmer.
With all that gets accomplished for the good of society by farmers, all that we rely on happening, the world of agriculture continues to evolve. Hybrid seed development, aeroponics, aquaponics, hydroponics, tissue culture, drones, robotics, and vertical farming are just a few of the sensible agricultural methods and technologies which are the future of food production. Constant progress is required and that comes from endless engagement with relentless action.
Learning to take reasonable chances outside a normal practice is one of the best skills anyone can develop. As a general group of professionals, farmers may be the most reasonable risk takers in business. As we know, the numbers of people in that profession are small in comparison, yet the risks they take each year are great. Those involved in agriculture know this to be true as it is a lived experience. Others read about it to get some appreciation for it. These others outside of actual production might even try to support it with “good” government policy and regulations, which farmers’ have experienced how that may or may not result in the intended support.
As agriculture leaders emerge and develop, the community must remain engaged and vocal. It will be our own voices that need be heard because of the lived experience we can share. To do this, we may need to be different than we have been in the past as the threats to being innovative become greater stifling growth. Just like sticking with what we know in agriculture production would ensure staying where we are in food production, so would sticking with were we are in how we communicate regarding our industry. To be innovative in production of food requires us to be innovative in how we communicate.
This will be particularly true as the policy leaders march toward embracing ideas coming from people who have not lived the experience of getting it done on the farm. We are on the eve of legislative leaders creating another Farm Bill. This Farm Bill and its accompanying regulations could dramatically effect how our food is grown. We need to evaluate both the little steps and big steps that must be taken to maintain agricultural sustainability to keep up with production demands.
Year after year, month after month, day after day, action has been taken by farmers and a complex network of support to get it done, delivered and digestible for others.
To view the article in the online 2023 Winter Partners Magazine, click here.
