Do American farmers have a responsibility to feed the world?
Are you concerned about competition from farmers outside of the US?
Do you think American farmers are the low-cost producers in the world?
Have you ever considered farming in another country? If so, why?
Have you ever been involved with an international agricultural development project? If not, how interested would you be if you had an all expenses paid opportunity?
Have you traveled outside of the US? If so, did you visit any farms on your trip(s)?
If so, briefly describe impressions.
31 comments:
Male
Farmer
50
wiu grad with honors
Yes, that has been the mind set for alot for years.
Yes, espically South America and the soybeans.
Yes, because of the amount of productivity.
No, we have alot invested in this area.
No, I would consider it though.
Yes, Canada and we didnt visit any farms.
Male
Farmer
54
High School
Yes, that's what we farmers do.
Yes, during certain times of the year when South America is in harvest the markets are based off how good their crop is.
Yes, because we produce so much per acre.
No, have not considered farming outside the country.
No, but if it was paid for then yes
Yes, to Canada and Mexico. Did not visit any farms. Drove by them in Mexico and the fields are very big. When he was done there, he thought the crop did not look very good, but that was ten years ago.
Male
Farmer
48 yrs old
No college education, but 30 plus years farming
1. Yes, because we are the most fertile and productive country in the world.
2. Yes, because in an expanding market other countries will try to increas production and therefore hinder our exports.
3. Yes we produce the most bushels for the lowest cost and the most effiicient.
4. No, because it wouldn't be feasible or affordable for my cuurent operation
5. No, I have never been involved and would not want to because then I would be teaching the competition what to do.
6. No have never visited any farms outside the U.S.
45
Male
Farmer
Junior College
Yes
Yes, when other countries have good or better years.
no, I think per acre we are the highest
No
No
No
51
Male
Farmer
Some College
NO!! farmers do not have that responsibility. Farmers only thrive on that thought to feel like they are really accomplishing something larger then what they really are. Farmers farm because they love the actions of farming and everything involved with this career choice. They farm so they can make money to feed their family. it is everyones responsibility to feed them selves, everyone just chooses to go to walmart to get food instead of choosing to grow their own crop/meat. none of these people ever worry about what would happen if super markets no longer sold food.
No
Yes
No
No, but I would if given the opportunity
No
Male
Ex-Farmer
42
High School
1.) Yes, Farmers feed the world and create more jobs by farming than any industry in the U.S.
2.) Not really, the U.S. dominates farming around the world.
3.) No, everything involved in farming such as equipment, feed, seed, and food products are high cost.
4.) No
5.) No, I have not been involved but I think it would be interesting to see how other countries farm.
6.) No
Female
48
No Occupation
Some College
Yes, we have been trying to do that for a number of years and that is the reason why we are having different traits in our corn and soybeans in helping get this done.
No, look at what Brazil is doing. Costs far less more to produce a crop their and they get more than one growing season as well.
No
No
No
Male
51
Farmer
Bachelors Degree
We have a responsibilty to help feed the world, but by far aren't the only ones doing this. We may be the major contributor of food and grains, but other countries have responsibilities to feed the world as well.
Not really, at some point it may be of a more concern but at the moment, The US is doing just fine farming I think.
No, only when they have to be I guess.
No I never have really considered farming in a different country. Im completely content with my current operation here in the states, and have no intention of moving it elsewhere.
Can't say that I have.
I have traveled outside of the US. Agriculture in other countries is often times lacking, and im glad I have the freedoms to farm as I do in America, at least for now that is.
35
Male
Farmer
Associates
1.) Yes and know. The farmers produce what they can, but they don't necessarely have control as to where the crop ends up.
2.) Of course I'm concerned, because if farms outside the U.S. begin to produce better crops our crops will become less needed and countries will not be willing to pay as much for them.
3.) Definetely, because of the yields we have, and the overall efficiency we have.
4.)No I haven't. I like it too much here
5.) No I haven't
farmer
male
53
hs grad
I don't believe they have all the responsibility but am sure they play a huge role
Not as of now
Yes, because we have some of the best yields
I haven't personally
No
I have not
45
Male
Bachelor's Degree
Farmer
"Interesting question. I feel that American farmers can play a large role. I don't feel the world works that way, but with our resources we can play a major role in that. However, cap and trade will devastate our ability to do that."
"I'm concerned about the different treatment of American farmers versus farmers elsewhere in the world. Intellectual property rights are a great example: the technology that we use is priced differently in other countries. Monsanto charges us for Round-up Ready technology, but they don't charge farmers in Brazil. It seems to me there is still a suspicious mindset from American farmers that corporations treat foreign companies differently. We want the same treatment across the board, but I don't really worry too much about it. I do wish there was a greater appreciation for indigenously grown products. It's especially bad for livestock producers because the restrictions on production in foreign countries isn't as stringent as it is here so other countries can generally grow livestock cheaper outside the U.S."
53
male
college
teacher
Yes.. that is their job
Yes.. prices are already high as it is.. a competition would only create another increase which many cannot afford as it is.
No.. I believe us to be some of the high costing producers in the world. However, I also see us as the most yielding producers in the world.
I would never farm in another country.
No.. Not at all considering my background.
Yes.. No I did not see any farms.. Would have been very interesting though I am sure.
Male
36
Agronomist
WIU Grad
Yes I believe so.
Yes, especially from some of the South American countries.
No.
No.
Male
68
Ex-Farmer
No, but they should want to try and help out.
Not really. U.S. farmers always have been able to make money, and I think they always will.
No way. I like it too much here.
No. 30 years ago maybe. But not anymore.
Mexico. And no.
58
Male
Farmer
College Graduate
Yes, because if we didn't nobody would. We're not obligated, but since we can we should.
No, most, other than Brazil and soybeans, doesn't produce enough crops to make a difference.
No, we are not because places like Brazil and Russia can produce finished crops cheaper than us.
No, never have considered farming in another country.
No, and absolutely zero
Yes but did not visit any farms.
Male
45 years old
Americans first priority is to feed themselves and then whatever we produce over that can be sent to other countries.
Yes
No
No
No
64
male
farmer
Yes, technology is so much more advanced than anyone elses wich makes America held responsibale for helping feed the world.
yes, if market prices are affected
no, input prices are at alltime highs
No
None, too old, no desire
yes, hes traveled to Vietname, but for war
Male
69
Farmer
Some College
1. Yes, we need to export so we don't have a surplus of grain.
2. NO.
3. Yes, We produce more efficiently than most countries.
4. no. But i would be intrested.
5. No
Male
55 years old
Farmer
High school
- I don't feel it is a responsibility to feed the world, but what we farmers do does help feed the world. The main goal of farming is to feed your family. It is a way of life chosen. We don't really have much say in where our grains go. We take it to an elevator and it goes from there. Hell, some of it doesn't even end up going towards food.
-No. There is competition out there, but they don't produce as much as the U.S.
-In terms of most efficient - Yes.
-No
-No, I would be very interested if all expenses were paid. Why not?
-No
Indiana
47
Purdue Graduate
In a ways yes, but on the other hand I belive that we should worry about the U.S. then worry about the rest of the world, I know its kind of harsh but on goverment may have to much of the mind set that we need to take care of the world. We need to help out but we do not need to be in everyone business, that is how we get drug into everyones mess and now our country has gotten its self in a mess financially.
I have family that farms in puerto rico, but yes i was approached by someone about farming in Balivia. The goverment is rough down there and maybe i need to let technology get alittle more up to date before sending a crew down there and buying and farming ground.
I have been to Brazil and Argentina.
I think that the next place to farm is in south america.
Male
47
Farmer
High School
1. No i don't think it is our responsibility to feed the world. It is a plus that we are able to contribute to it, but i don't think that we should be responsible for feeding the world.
2. Yes with the high input costs that we have in the US, competition will drive down the price of grain which will make prices drop below the input costs.
3. Yes we are the low cost producers in the world because of the amount of food that we can produce.
4. No
5. If i didn't have any responsibilities back home i would definitely go on a trip to a different country.
6. No i have never been outside of the US
Male
Farmer
51
4 years college
Yes Farmers do feed the world and it is very important to supply the world with food and feed grade
Yes, Soybeans are a very big issue in South America which could cause prices to be even worse.
Yes because of amount of production
No
No, I would be very interested. I am always open to new technologies.
No
Male
50
Local Farmer
I dont think they have a responsibility to feed the world. I just think I works out that way because it is so easy for us to produce compared to other places in the world.
I am not concerned about competition from farmers outside the US at this point in time. At some point, if people choose to buy products from other countries like the trend has been with many other products, then I might become concerned.
I think American farmers produce a good crop for a good price. I am sure food can be produced less of a price.
No.
No.
No.
Male
58
Farmer
4 Years College
In this day and age we US farmers are responisble for feeding a good portion of the world.
There is some competition from south america.
Per acre production yes.
No
No
Male
60
Part time farmer
Some college
Not so much anymore, we used to but not so much anymore
Yes
Yea they are pretty economical when it come to production
No
No, No probably not.
Yes, no never visited any farms
American farmers should provide more of the food this country needs before it trys to feed the world (many imports could be raised in the states, but i think a lot of people believe we should.
Not at this time but our economy situation could possibly change ones opinion in time.
No, I haven't considered farming in another country.
No, Whats the project and when do we leave.
Have not traveled outside the U.S
male
24
Hartung Inc.
Bachelor's
Yes
yes
no
not at all
no
1.) No, it's not their responsibility to feed the world. It never was, originally everyone farmed, but not for a profit, for their livelihood. People farmed to feed themselves.
2.) I wouldn't say concerned about competition, more like the quality of foreign foods. Yes there is going to be competition, but there is competition in the U.S. as well.
3.) No, I don't farm to begin with.
4.) No, I have not. I would consider it, I think it would be an amazing experience. And that I would learn a-lot about alternative ways of practicing agriculture.
5.) Yes, I have traveled a-lot outside of the U.S. I've been to Grand Cayman Islands, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. I remember that the farms on the hill sides of Switzerland and Germany were usually open plains with grazing cattle and goats. Very primitive practices, not commercialized at all. Most don't even have barns, or livestock buildings. On Grand Cayman Island there wasn't any farms. If there was agriculture, it was personal, and there might be a few crops. And 2-3 goats, chicken, or cattle.
Male
29
Business Consultant Agri Solutions
Bachelors
Originally no, it seems as if there is a trend in today's world where farmers are being relied on more heavily though.
Not really, they don't have the resources that we do here in America.
No
I don't farm myself but I've heard of some farmers having success with soybeans in South America.
No
No
Male
47
Farmer
1. Not totally, I think that we should help as much as we can without sacrificing our well-being.
2. Not at the moment. I dont think anyone is going to be jumping the ocean to buy up farm land. Im not sure if they can afford it.
3. Im not really sure. I would think we would be competitive. But I have never really looked into international Ag markets.
4.No, I cannot afford a move like that.
5.No, I would be very interested if I had an all-expense paid trip to see how it is done else where.
6.Yeah, I didnt visit any farms though. It was a trip for leisure, not work
Male
43
Part time farmers
high school
Yes. The farms I seen are way behind us in technology.
No
No
Not if you look at just the cost per bushel to produce. The small farms that have all the work done by hand are cheaper. However they cannot produce the quantity. Of they major producers South America I would guess is cheaper.
Definitely. The more they produce drives the price down for everyone.
No. It just works out that we do.
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