KFB joined with other farm groups last month to promote agricultural education as part of the annual recognition of National Agriculture Day. The following article from the Agriculture Council of America contains many of the key “talking points” about the industry’s importance and achievements:
   From a team of horses in the early 1900s to tractors with the power of 40 to 300 horses today, American farmers provide consumers with more and better quality food than ever before. In fact, one farmer now supplies food for about 144 people in the United States and abroad, compared with just 25.8 people in 1960.
   The efficiency of American farmers also pays off in the price consumers pay for food. U.S. consumers spend roughly nine percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India. This great value is due in large part to improved equipment efficiency, enhanced crop and livestock genetics through biotechnology and conventional breeding, plus advances in information management.
   Today’s farmers work nearly three and-one-half times more land than their predecessors from 1900. Their needs are different, the crops are different and the rules governing their production are more stringent.
   Biotechnology is another factor in the efficiency of American farmers.
Biotechnology provides benefits similar to traditional plant and livestock breeding, but does so in a more controlled environment and with faster results.
   Advancements made in plant biotechnology provide consumers with better quality products in many areas. And those benefits are just beginning. There are many products in the biotechnology research pipeline that will provide better livestock feed resulting in leaner meat for consumers. Many of these same products will lessen the environmental impact of livestock production by reducing waste and/or the chemicals found in animal waste.
   Pharmaceutical companies are working with farmers to develop crops that can go directly from the field to pharmaceutical production - eliminating some of the processing steps that occur in today’s operations. This research will significantly reduce the costs required to produce many lifesaving drugs.
   Research and technology advancements have also resulted in new uses for commodity crops like corn, soybeans and various grains. Use of products like ethanol and soy-diesel will reduce American independence on fossil fuels and improve air quality throughout the United States and the world. Ethanol is the largest industrial use of these commodity crops, but soydiesel and other uses are emerging every year.
   American agriculture can also be celebrated for its efforts in environmental conservation. Farmers provide food and habitat for approximately 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife. The current farm bill has provisions for farmers to create environmental habitats that will ensure protection of the land and water resources of this country.
   With today’s technology, farmers are better able to match seed characteristics and production practices to soil type and climate conditions. The result is higher yields with lower input costs from more efficient use of chemicals, fertilizers and tillage. Ultimately, that results in more food at a lower cost for consumers.
   Today’s farmers understand the importance of improving the quality and quantity of food available to the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that there will be 7.5 billion people in the world by the year 2020 (we’re currently at 6.2 billion). It’s agriculture’s job to find a way to feed those people.
   Advancements in crop technology, equipment technology and information management will make that possible.