This weekend your assignment is to ask *5* questions of your choosing.
All questions should be related to some aspect of agricultural sustainability and your interview candidate should be someone that you have interviewed before.
Please include both your questions and answers in your post.
32 comments:
Male
45
Farmer
Junior College
How much did it cost you to dry your grain this fall? Corn over 30% around 35 cents a bushel 25 to 20% 30 to 32 cents
Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops?
No, cover crops are not a big thing around this area. They just another expense and everyone either chisel plows or does no till.
During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the agricultural industry as a whole that cause you concern? Briefly explain? None that I can think of right now.
How concerned are you about public perceptions of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists to shape public perceptions? Very, because people do not understand what all is going on in the farming world. They see what the farmer makes, but they do not see the price of all the inputs.
What is your opinion of no-till? I think it is a good thing for certain fields. If they have alot of hills for example. I donut think you receive all the benefits from no-till as you do with conventional.
Male
51
Retired Farmer
Bachelors degree
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
Yes I have enjoyed them. They have given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and opinions about topics that are of great importance in the ag world today. They have also sparked convos between other members of the community and myself.
What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire? Well, seeing how im already retired I dont really have much of a say in this one. I guess I would have enjoyed seeing it go to my children, but instead it went to a golf course and urban development for homes.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change? Oh I think that humans are having an affect on the overall climate change to a certain degree. I also believe though that the earth is constantly changing in terms of geology, climate, etc, and that it will naturally heat up on its own. But in my opinion human activity is accelerating this process.
What is your opinion on animal rights groups such as peta, etc?
Haha I think those people are pretty much crazy. I mean, they have a decent thought going about treating animals right, but in no way should animals have the same rights as humans. Im all for animal welfare, but am not a fan of animal rights.
John Deere or Case? JOHN DEERE ALL THE WAY!
Male
farmer
50
wiu grad with honors
1. How much did it cost you to dry your grain this fall? Are you going to do anything differently in 2010 to try to reduce this cost?
I just opened the dry gas bill for November & it was over $25,000. And we have dried a lot here in December.
Next year I won’t be planting as full season corn.
2. Have you enjoyed answering questions about agriculture issues this semester?
Yes. I have enjoyed the questions. I really liked your field day and would be interested in your yield results.
3. What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
Hopefully some of the next generation will farm.
4. In recent years, how has your refuge corn performed relative to your BT corn? Has the BT corn paid for its additional cost?
This year and in other years our non GMO has been as good or better than BT. If you get a premium for non GMO, the BT hasn’t paid.
5. What farming challenges have you faced in 2009?
Wet spring & fall. Late harvest & dealing with cold conditions at harvest.
Getting rid of wet corn.
6. What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
I don’t think we have had much climate change. It seems to even out. Humans need to be aware of taking care of our environment.
7. Have you benefited from recommendations or programming provided by your local Extension office? NRCS office? Soil and water conservation district? Briefly explain.
I have had ideas from these programs and also the pesticide education.
8. What type of independent research do you think is most needed to substantiate/clarify/refute industry claims about products or technologies?
I like independent University data especially on hybred selection.
9. Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven’t you ever planted cover crops?
I have used oats as a cover crop for alfalfa.
10. During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the agricultural industry as a whole that cause you concern? Briefly explain.
Yes, the loss of the number of farmers and also the big getting so much bigger.
Male
44 years old
Past farmer/Present Construction Business
High School Education
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
Yes, I found it to be very interesting.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
Yes, I believe its happening and more things need to be done to stop it. Alot of people dont believe its happening.
Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops?
No, Dont really know why we never had cover crops.
During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the agricultural industry as a whole that cause you concern? Briefly explain.
Not really, nothing comes to mind.
Do you think ethanol is a bad product of corn?
No, but I have heard that it costs more to produce Ethanol than fossil fuels.
Male
55
Grain Elevator Manager
High School
1. How much did it cost you to dry your grain this fall?
I bought a new grain dryer this year and it cost me about 8 cents a bushel for electric and natural gas.
2. Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
Yes, I have they have been interesting.
3. What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
When I retire my two boys are going to run the operation.
4. During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the agricultural industry as a whole that cause you concern? Briefly explain.
Yes, Everybody is getting bigger trucks and combines, and it is getting harder for us to keep up, but we are trying to expand also.
5. What is the biggest problem you faced this season?
Having our dryers keep up with the wet corn so we can stay open.
58
Male
Farmer
College Graduate
1.) How much did it cost you to dry your grain this fall?
A: It usually costs about 25 cents per bushel which is around the same price I will pay this fall, might be a little higher.
2.) Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
A: Yes, I enjoyed sharing knowledge. I think it's important for our generation and your generation to have conversations because many young people today think they know everything there is to know.
3.) Do you have any experience with cover crops? If not, why not?
A: No, in fact I'm not even that familiar with them. I no-till corn and drill beans, and spray pesticides when I need to. I've farmed the same way for many years and it doesn't seem that practical to change now.
4.) How concerned are you about public perceptions of pesticides?
A: I'm not concerned at all. They have already taken several chemicals out of market that were dangerous, but it's nice that we live in the day and age where people are smart enough to come along with safer and better chemicals. If one dangerous chemical gets taken out, another, better chemical will take its place.
5.) What are your thoughts on biofuels? Where do you think Ethanol is going?
A: Apparently not that far, I just heard the other day that the government turned down going from 10% ethanol to 15% ethanol. Biofuels (with corn and soybeans) sure hasn't hurt us. It is one more way to utilize what we can grow in the U.S. It's probably one of the best things that have come along. Definitely down the road we will see more 85% ethanol (or biofuel) being used in everything.
Male
47
Farmer
High School
1. Have you enjoyed answering these questions?
Yes, it has been an interesting look at what you guys are learning in school. Now I have a better idea of what I'm paying for with my son.
2. What would you like to happen to your farming operation when you retire?
I hope that my son will take over and let me help a little bit.
3. Do you have any expierience with cover-crops?
No not really, i have heard a little about them but never really looked into it. I dont always work ground and I spray when I need to. It has been working for awhile, and Ive always said; if it's not broke dont fix it.
4. What are some of the problems you have faced this year.
Wet spring wet fall. I would be completely done if it wasnt for this weather. I keep running out of bin space and now its hard to get rid of corn and beans. I had some beans get wet, freeze, and thaw. They didnt cut worth a darn. I also got docked at the elevator.
5. Do you think that this early cold weather will affect your cattle operation?
Not really, I have had my water freeze already. But it was an easy fix. They are in a small pasture now and I dont think they will have any trouble.
Male
47
Farmer
High School Diploma
1)In recent years, how has your refuge corn performed relative to your BT corn? Has the BT corn paid for its additional cost?
We do more refuge corn than we do BT just because we haven't found that it has paid for itself. We use the BT variety where we have had problems in the past.
2)What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
I would like to say that I would want my sons to take it over, but I have encouraged them to go to college and actually make money. Our operation is not big enough to support them and think that it would be best for their future to cash rent the ground.
3)During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the agricultural industry as a whole that cause you concern? Briefly explain.
Monsanto has changed the whole ag industry. Monsanto is my big fear right now because of how they can effect everything. They raise the cost of their seed so then fertilizer goes up. If Monsanto does something everyone else follows.
4) Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
I have. I have liked that my son has contacted me and asked me things that I never would have thought he nor anyone else would have asked.
5)How concerned are you about public perceptions of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists to shape public perceptions?
They play one of the biggest roles in the industry. It doesn't matter if it has any evidence to back it up or not. The media doesn't get someone that actually knows about the subject, they just get someone who will give them the response they are looking for.
59
Male
High School Education
Truck Driver/ part time farmer
1. Have you enjoyed answering these questions over the past few months?
Yes, I have enjoyed these weekly interviews. It has been a long time I have see someone or even myself become this engaged in thought about agriculture. I think it is a really good thing.
2.How concerned are you about public perceptions of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists to shape public perceptions?
I am very concerned. With the power the media controls today, it seems very realistic to say that with one or two bad remarks about agriculture or any other form of production, media can give a very bad image about agriculture and farmers. The bad public perception could lead to new legislation that would be detrimental to farmers.
3.What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
I believe climate change is a natural cycle the planet has been going through for billions of years. However I do believe humans have dramatically increased the rate to which global warming has increased. It will be hard to tell what the effects of this may be.
4.What is going to happen to to your farming operation when you retire?
For now its looking that my nephew and his children will be recieving the farm and running things when I retire.
Original Question 5. What is your single most favorite thing about being a farmer?
The best thing about being a farmer is easily the connection with nature. Not having to be crammed in an office or vehicle all day is very nice. Along with this connection with nature it is very rewarded to see the products of my labor and the growth throughout the year.
Have you enjoyed answering questions this semester.
You it has been good.
What would you like to happen to you farm after you retire.
I would like it to stay in the family
Do you have any experience with cover crops?
Yes a little bit. You use it to keep the ground from eroding in the winter. I put a cover crop where ever i have planted new seeds to allow the seeds to get established.
What type of independent research is needed to clarify/refute industry claims about products or technologies
I would like to see an independent reporting firm. Like an agriculture "Consumer Report". Cause they review most other products made by companies.
Have you adopted any precision ag technologies? If so, briefly describe. How have these technologies impacted your bottom-line?
Yea we use precision planting as in auto steer and a seed monitors to make sure seed isn't leaking or not being underused.
Male
60
Some college
Part time farmer
How much did it cost you to dry your grain this fall (the answer to this question can be expressed many ways... e.g., per acre, per bushel, per farm)? Are you going to do anything differently in 2010 to try to reduce this cost?
It has cost me quite a bit but i just put on a shivvers command center so hopefully it will benefit me this year.
In recent years, how has your refuge corn performed relative to your BT corn? Has the BT corn paid for its additional cost?
Yes, I think it has a had a better stand and resilient corn
What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
Hopefully my family will take it over.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
I don't think it really is occurring.
Have you benefited from recommendations or programming provided by your local Extension office? NRCS office? Soil and water conservation district? Briefly explain.
Yes, I have CRP on my farm right now and they have also help pay for tile for and dry dams.
Plots days where we can actually see the results seem to be the best examples.
Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops?
I haven't ever planted cover crops because it really hasn't been an option I've researched.
Male
47
High School
Farmer
1. What change that has happened in the last 10 years concerns you the most? The thing that upsets me the most these days is how much everything costs nowdays. I mean as a established farmer i have the collateral and income to cover these costs without a problem but it upsets me that a young person can't get started on their own without taking over someone elses operation or having it handed to them through family.
2. What got you into farming? Well when i was a sophmore in high school my father passed away suddenly and my mother couldn't support the five of us kids on her own so i started farming with a family friend to get our family by. I didn't have much choice at the time, but 40 years later im still at it and i love what i do.
3. Have you enjoyed answering questions this semester? Yes its interesting to hear about the issues you are talking about in class and how they relate to the real world.
4. What would you like to have happen to your farming operation once you retire? I don't know what will happen for sure, but i will keep the land in the family and let someone else farm it once i decide its time for me to quit.
5. If you had a bit of advice for young farmers what would it be? Probably during the good years save money back for when the tough years come, you don't need to buy the nicest equipment out there just because you had a good few years and you have some extra money.
Male
36
Agronomist
Western Grad
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
I have found answering the questions to be quite interesting. It has brought up a lot of things that I have not thought about at all, or for awhile.
What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
I farm with my dad and brother. When all is said and done and we are all retired, I would like to see the farm go to my son and my brothers kids, if he has any.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
This is a very controversial issue. I think that humans and their activities have greatly contributed the the warming of the earth and the changes of the climates.
What words come into mind when you hear sustainable agriculture?
Profitability, efficiency, Utilizing new techniques
Do you have any experience with cover crops?
Yes, some of our land contains a lot of sand. It is important to plant utilize cover crops to help prevent some of the erosion.
1.) What is your most important sustainable practice?
I would have to say that it is the solar panels and small windmill we've installed on the farm. It was expensive up front, but is now saving us 80% on our energy costs. We’re very happy with the decision to install it.
2.) Do you find fuel costs becoming more and more costly?
Well, it depends. If the price of fuel drastically rises, I just try to adjust to those costs. If fuel costs are up, we will use large vehicles less and try to use ATV to move around the property. So, yes fuel is more costly, but we are dealing with it by adjusting to the rising prices.
3.) You have 24 head of cattle; they are open-grazed, and have a pond on the property they use. Do you worry about drainage, or leeching of farm chemical residues into that pond?
I have been farming on this farm for 40 years; I have raised cattle in that pasture just as long. That land is under conservation practices, and has been surveyed by DNR, they test the water occasionally, and we haven't shown any serious contaminants so far. If the cattle ever show signs of sickness or poisoning, I will take a more immediate action.
4.) The same land you use for grazing is also a-lot of old growth timber. Have you developed an agro-forestry plan?
No, I haven't, I want to but, I am first focusing on setting aside 50 of those acres for planting nursery plants. Once we have decided the best 50 acres, I plan to harvest that timber when we clear the land.
5.) Does running a nursery and a 300 acre farm get to be too much?
No, I love what I do. We added the nursery about 10 years ago as a fun side project. Before I knew it, it was a full time operation. I think I've done a good job expanding the farm into the nursery world. I love my farm, and I love to find new ways to profit from the land I have, I like diversification, and that’s exactly what I have.
Male
64
Farmer
Some College Education
Have you enjoyed answering the agriculture issues durring the semester? Yes, im glad there are teachers that do this in universities because these are the types of issues you will face when your out of school
Where do you see your operation heading in the next 10 years. I hope to keep it in the family as long as possible. I dont really know as of right now what my exact plans are as of right now.
Do you see a future in organic farming. Yes, for individuals that posses the intersest, more power to them. But for me, im too old to be putting in those long intensive labor hours.
Male
Farmer
55
HS Education
How did you get into farming?
Father began the farm with a friend when he was young.
What is your favorite thing about farming?
Probably having a lot of free time after harvest.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Hopefully contemplating retirement since I have bad knees.
How many acres are you currently farming?
1800 but thinking about acquiring more land in the next couple years
Do you have any advice for future farmers?
It can be a risky business and should work with somebody experienced for quite some time before you try to manage a farm on your own
Male
43
College Education
Farmer
How concerned are you about public perceptions of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists to shape public perceptions?
-I am concerned about this bc if the public doesn’t work with the farmer then it will be very difficult to get assistance from them.
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
-Yes I believe that it is making a big difference in making people really think about agriculture in today’s society.
What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
- When I retire I would like to see my farm stay in the family. I would like for my children to continue to farm it and make it prosper so they get the same experience as I did through my life.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
-I do believe that the climate is changing but I don not believe that we are contributing like Al Gore and the other tree huggers think we are.
Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops?
-I have experience with cover crops, but it is very little. The reason for this is because I mainly run livestock in pastures. I have however incorporated legumes and other grasses to help the herd health.
51
male
farmer
some college
Have you enjoyed answering these questions this semester?
-yes I have. Every time we talk about them it bring back old memories, as well as bring up new ideas.
Do you ever worry about how the public views agriculture?
-yes, I am concerned with this because this is my career and I want to have a positive view by the public. If the public views us badly, we have the potential to lose money and business.
What is one thing that you wanted to accomplish on the farm?
-I wanted to have better pasture management, but we got rid of the cattle before I really was old enough to have a major impact on the farm decisions.
Do you want your children to take over the family farm after you?
-yes I do, I would love nothing better then to see my children manage the farm.
How do you feel about orgainc farming?
-I feel that it is a very good idea. it is a way to get more safe and potentialy more healthy food to the public. the only bad thing about organic farming is that there is no way that we can feed the entire world with organic food.
Farmer
48 years old
no college education
25+ years farming
In recent years, how has your refuge corn performed relative to your BT corn? Has the BT corn paid for its additonal cost?
The refuge corn has been very competititve but requires more management.
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester? Yes
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
Whether human activity is responsible for climate change or not I feel we all need to lessen our impact on the environment.
Have you benefited from recommendations or programming provided by your local extension office? NRCS office? Soil and water conservation district? Briefly explain.
Yes, when we first adapted no-till our soil and water district helped us with our first planting.
What type of independent researach do you think is most needed to substatiate/clarity/refute industry claims about products or technologies?
The best type of research is done on your farm.
Do you have any experience with cover crops? If not why havn't you planted any cover crops?
No experience... it seems that in our area that by the time you take the previous crop off it is too late to plant cover crops.
During your career, have any changes occurred in farming practices or the ag industry as a whole that cause you concern?
One of my greatest concerns is the money generated from an agricultural community does not stay in the community.
Age:65
Gender:Male
Occupation: farmer
Education: High School
1.) Did any of the questions you were asked make you think about things you could do to improve your farm??
-When a smart business man is approached with a better way of doing things its always a consideration, so yes your questions have made me think about my farming techniques.
2.) With the release of the Smart Stack from Monsanto, do you think you will be planting it this spring?
-The selling point of the Smart Stack is the refuge decrease, but I am confident that my refuge will compete with my bt corn so I doubt I will be planting it.
3.) What is your thoughts on the farming community today compared to 20 years ago?
-I think as a whole we as farmers are loosing that next door neighbor feel. It seems like the neighbors dont farm anymore, and I dont even know who farms their ground. Today farming is more of a business than it was before.
4.) If the ideal ration of corn to soybean acres in Illinois was 50/50, would you be willing to stay within those numbers?
-I would be foolish to say yes. It all depends on prices and demand.
5.) Have you enjoyed answering the questions I have approached you with?
-Honestly these questions have made for some pretty interesting coffee shop talk during the week. I dont think you realize that I ask many of the people I run into these same questions to get their opinions.
1. What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
I would like to see the farm stay in the family, but since I rent all of my ground it is in the hands of the land lords. The way rent prices have raised recently I don’t think anyone could just start from fresh farming and be able to pay the prices people want. I’m sure some bigger farm will end up with all the ground.
2. Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops?
I have been reading a lot about the benefits and even how to use them. But I’m getting old and I don’t think I could handle the labor or the expense involved with cover crops.
3.In recent years, how has your refuge corn performed relative to your BT corn? Has the BT corn paid for its additional cost?
I have seen the refuge corn do just as good if not better than the BT corn in places. But on my farm we seem to have a lot of root worm problems so the tripe stacks seem to work well. I do however think corn borer is a waste but the added stalk quality is nice when the wind picks up.
4.Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
I have enjoyed it; I enjoy talking about farming to anyone. At times during this fall it was difficult because I had bigger problems to worry about, but once I had some slow times on rainy days it was very enjoyable.
5.What benefits to no-till have you seen?
I have seen many benefits. The major ones for me is the reduced cost of production because of the lack of tillage, plus the reduction in equipment needed and fewer hours spent in the field. I have also liked the reduction in weed pressure.
53, Male, Farmer, High school education
1) Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
Definitely, I am extremely happy to hear about young people bringing these issues to discussion. My hope is that more people will consider these aspects of the “agriculture world” more and become more educated in order to take action.
2) What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
My dream is for my son to graduate college and farm by my side. I want a few years of farming together with him being out of school before I fully retire and turn things totally over to him. These next few years will be even more crucial than the previous, as this is the time when we can work hard together for him to fully understand my system and adapt it towards his future farming goals. I am very excited for him and interested to see where he takes it.
3) How concerned are you about public perceptions of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists to shape public perceptions?
The public’s perception of agriculture and the impact of the media and activists is very important to me. The activists groups that concern me the most are those geared towards animal rights. These people and trying to take away the view of an ethical farmer and make us look like animal abusers. I view these people as very uneducated, and it is very frustrating.
4) What farming challenges are you been faced with this year?
Basically, the biggest problem this year has just been all the rain and moisture. Had problems with this both in planting and now harvesting.
5) Over the years what is the concern with farming overall that you consider a big issue?
The number issue I have watched is large farms taking over many of the small farms. Watching friends being put out of business because they cannot afford to pick up more acres has been one of the most frustrating things. In my area, the has been due to being outbid on the cost of the farms by out of state people looking for more hunting ground and then renting out the farmland.
Male
45
Cattle Farmer/ Road commissionar
High school
1.)What is your favorite part of farming?
-I enjoy going out to the pastures and watching the calves interact with the cow. I also enjoy the times spent cutting and baling hay, just seeing all of natures offerings.
2. What are some of the big changes you have experienced on the farm?
-Throughout my life the whole farm has basically changed. As a child I had dairy cows, and had to be up at 4 to milk every day. As the years went on we got out of the dairy business, and I now raise only Angus cattle.
3. Have you enjoyed answering these questions over the past few months?
-Very much so, I have actually asked many other farmers that I know some of the questions you have asked me.
4. What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
-Honestly I don't think we have that much control over the climate. Yes, we should reduce the amount of toxic emissions we release into the air, but overall the Earth goes through natural climate changes. I have read many articles discussing the different climates over the past few thousand years.
5. What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
hopefully I will be able to let it stay in the family. I don't know who yet, but hopefully It stays in the family.
Male
19
farms with father and other family
1. What is your least favorite thing about farming?
A) The least favorite thing about farming in my eyes is once planting or harvest has ended, having to clean all the machinery, especially this year when it has been so cold out.
2. How long has your family been farrming?
A) "I believe since before my great grandpa." at least most of the family has continued to farm.
3. If your farm doesn't consist of livestock, do you wish it did?
A) My familes farm used to consist of about 80 head of cattle, along with the grain we raise. And yes I still wish we had cattle, my brother and I would love to have the cattle back!
4. Does your farm dry any of its' grain?
A) Yes, almost all of the corn goes through the dryer. Our farm consists of 2 drying facilities, one of which will hopefully be replaced with a newer more up to date dryer and pit this coming spring.
5. What kind of equipment is favored on your farm?
A) Everyone on the farm like John Deere combines and small tractors, but we recently got 2 new cat track tractors and everyone fell in love with them. So i would say for a big tractor all of us would like the Cats more than the John Deere.
1. What downfalls have you seen during your time of farming?
a. Have seen the price of seed corn and soybean rise dramatically over the past few years and thus create a hardship on growers trying to grow the commodity.
2. Did you enjoy answer questions for our class?
a. Yes, was able to look up other peoples answers related to the same ones that I gave.
3. Do you try to grow more beans or corn during the year?
a. I try to grow more corn, because it seems to be easier to deal with than beans. It is easier to pick during the fall and can pick corn when conditions are not favorable for beans to be cut.
4. What do you like about seed companies that make you coming back each year?
a. People, enough said. If you have people that are friendly and are willing to work with you, then that is the place I want to do business with. Why should I go to a business that is always stuck on themselves and think nobody is better than they are. I like it when salesmen tell me straight up what varieties are best for me even if they are not from the company that I want to buy from.
5. What types of farming do you do other then raise crops?
a. Raise a current beef herd and have been fortunate enough to stay in the hog market. Have contemplated closing up the hog farm, but I figured out that I could stay profitable if I kept it around for a few more years. I will have to re-evaluate my findings at the beginning of the year to determine if it is still profitable or not.
Male
37
1.) Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester? Yes "these questions have made me question my farming practices and many other parts of my daily routine.
2.) Which set of question were your favorite and why?
"I enjoyed the questions about energy because energy is becoming more and more expensive and i have direct control over how much energy i consume?
3.) How do you like working with farmers from behind an NRCS desk?
" I enjoy most of the time. I feel that i have made the patch of earth around me a little better and have led by example how we should treat this earth. Every now and again I get a guy that wants to argue and thinks he's right even when i show him the numbers on how much soil he has lost."
4.) What do you think is the number one thing that will have adverse effects of farming?
Soil erosion, if we dont keep the fertile top soil, then the crops won't grow to there protential. We need to work to keep the soil on the land so that we can keep a sustainable farming practice around for future generations.
5.) Do you have any experience with cover crops? Briefly explain. If not, why haven't you ever planted cover crops? I personally haven't used cover crops but i have helped a few guys incorporate cover crops in to there farming operations. They really like it and are glad they made the change.
Male 48
Bachelors Degree
1) Do you have any experience with cover crops?
No, they have never been very big here.
2) What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
I think it is pretty clear that humans are causing some for of climate change. It is something that should be addressed systematically though without negative impacts on industries.
3)If Illinois made a law banning fall N application would this negatively effect your operation?
Possibly, I would hope we could adjust to the changes but we currently apply most of our N during the fall so it would be a challenge.
4)Have you enjoyed answering these questions?
Yes, it was nice to discuss relevant issues in agriculture.
5)What are some issues you faced this growing season?
The same as many other farmers, late planting dates, a late harvest, and high moisture.
Male
58
College Degree
Farms
Q: How has the recent cost of fertilizer prices influenced your use of them?
A: Well, we always maintain nutients on our marginal land, but what we own or have locked in on rented ground we are always building up the soil. So the hike in prices hasn't really changed our practices.
Q: What type of N application do you use and why?
A: We put all N on when we plant as well as starter. This way the plant has it right when it needs it and there is less leaching.
Q: Have you seen a drop in yield on fields that have been continuous corn?
A: Not exactly, when the weather conditions are fair from year to year than no we don't notice a drop, but from last year to this year we did se a drop.
Q: Have you considered doing more conservative tillage?
A: Yes but it is difficult on the land we farm. Much of it is gumbo river bottoms and is very tough soil. Without chiseling the soil it is just too compacted. But we have run a strip till bar in the fall for the last two years and have had luck with it, but no real change in yield.
Q: Have you ever considered cover crops?
A: Along time ago when I was still experimenting on my land I ran a few cover lests of rye but didn't find much of a gain from it so yes.
male
43
part time farmer
high school education
Have you enjoyed answering questions about agricultural issues this semester?
Yes
What would you like to have happen to your farming operation when you retire?
I would like it to be carried on by my children.
What is your perspective on climate change and the role of human activities as a driver of climate change?
I believe that humans do have a small effect on climate change. It is not conceivable to think that we have no effect. However, I don’t believe they are the sole reason for the current conditions. History has show that the climate naturally cycles up and down based on many factors. As with every situation you have to look at all variables to see how the whole is affected. We are one small variable in a huge equation.
Have you benefited from recommendations or programming provided by your local Extension office? NRCS office? Soil and water conservation district? Briefly explain.
Only as far as support getting signed up for the government programs.. My brother takes care of the majority of that since he does farm full time.
Would you like to expand your operation in the future?
Yes. Ultimately I would like buy more land and farm full time.
Male
76
farmer
high school education
1. Have you enjoyed answering these weekly interview questions?
Yes, I have. Its nice to be able to communicate with others the problems we face today and in the future. It only makes everyone else in the process that much more informed and knowledge in power.
2. Recently we discussed organic crops, what made you decide that organic crops were not for you?
When I grew organic crops in the early 90s I had good harvests but the problem was always how I could market it and finding different sources to buy my products.
3.What is your biggest concern this for upcoming year regarding agriculture?
First and most importantly I have got to get my tractor fixed our there will be no work next year.
4.Are there any other corcerns you have for the future or agriculture?
Yes, I am interested to see how the prices of fuel will impact myself and the rest of the market. It would be nice to find an alternative energy source within the next 10 years but if so there will also have to be many new developments of the equipment that is ran on these new fuels.
5. Do you see yourself doing anything different within the next 10 years in your agricultural practises?
Yes, retire and leave my land to my nephew. Relaxm enjoy the rest of my years, but continue to be apart of this farm.
Male
62
High school
Retired farmer
Q: What do you think is the most difficult challenge in sustainable ag today?
A: I think the most difficult issue facing sustainable ag today is the costs of energy. When you factor in how much energy it costs to haul your grain, till, plant, harvest, etc. the numbers add up quickly. A solution for alternative fuels is needed today to adress this issue.
Q: Would you recommend activities such as this for students?
A: Yes I would. This is a great activity for students to learn from people who have lived such situations and how to adress certain issue in agriculture. It's good to obtain a first hand experience.
Q: What do you think was the biggest challenge to agriculture this year?
A: The biggest challenge I have seen is the water. We got a lot of rain late in the year and that has made it hard to get crops out. Not to mention when you did get crops out, a large number of people would at the same time and there would be long lines at the elevator. Certain cases, people were denied when they got to the elevator because they were full
Q: What is the best way to cut down your energy costs as a farmer?
A: I think the best thing you can do as a farmer to cut down your energy costs is to cut down on applications of fertilizer and practice no till. Some places it is better for tillage operations, but some places you can get away without it.
Q: What is your son going to change or what do you recommend him changing with the operation next year?
A: We lost a lot of soil this year from runoff. Our conservation practices we had in place did not do the job. We are going to put some more tile lines in and reconstruct dry dams in hopes of eliminating the run off.
Male
51
Farmer
4 years College
Q 1. Have you enjoyed answering the questions asked of you?
A 1. Yes all the questions have been easy to answer, while some have made me think deeper than others. I believe it is a great thing to think about what others in the farming community think about certain issues.
Q 2.When you retire what would you liek to see happen with your farm?
A. 2. I would like to some day pass it down to my children and have the, keep it in the family as long as possible.
Q 3. How many acres are you currently farming?
A. This year I harvested 4,200 acres.
Q 4. Are there any changes that have occured in agriculture since you began farming that concerns you?
A 4. Prices are a major issue, with commodity prices and amount ground is going for.
Q 5. Do you plan on farming all your life or do you want to retire early?
A 5. I would love to retire at an early age and pass it down to my sons, but I am a realist and know that I will be farming all my life, and that is what I enjoy.
Post a Comment