Day 25: Do I Dare Say the “S” Word?
The “S” word is a big buzz word, writes Kari Belanger in the October 2013 issue of Seed World magazine. “And for every forum and venue addressing sustainability, there are as many definitions and meanings attached to the word as people attending them.”
Sustainability, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development, is “…development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
That definition is precisely why I believe modern agricultural practices are sustainable! I couldn’t agree more with this excerpt from a publication of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council:
U.S. farmers are stewards of abundant, renewable resources that provide reliable supplies of high-quality products with minimal impact on the environment. They are committed to conservation, USDA compliance and innovations that produce larger yields while using fewer natural resources.
No doubt, today’s seed technology is responsible for a large percentage of the yield increases thanks to in-plant defense mechanisms like resistance to certain diseases and invasive pests. Today’s soybean and hybrid seed corn products also are less susceptible to weather extremes, too.
While today’s seed products aren’t bullet-proof, they certainly help U.S. farmers “dodge a bullet” in less than ideal growing conditions like those experienced in 2012 and 2013. Better yields not only provide economic stability for each farm family, but good crops provide economic stability for states like Iowa and countries like the United States. Our bounty is to the benefit of the entire world.
Agricultural productivity gains are vital to enable the global population access to healthy, nutritious and affordable food. Food production starts with a seed, so the seed industry plays a critical role in providing farmers with quality seed to meet the world’s demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel.
At Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, we follow basic ground rules: combine the industry’s best genetics with the latest trait technologies to produce products that excel in local growing conditions. It is our hope by doing this, we can have a not only a positive impact on the farmer’s long-term success but on the environment and societies we serve.
We also understand that “sustainability” means continual improvement. That’s why we continue to work with breeders to create better plants with higher yield potential in certain geographies. We need to produce more food while using natural resources more efficiently to help conserve and protect the environment. No industry / company can meet these challenges alone, so it’s important we all work together to leave a better environment for future generations.
At Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, we believe in recognizing people for improving the quality and quantity of food available across the globe. Our mission is to help farmers feed and fuel the world by providing valuable customer experiences, innovative products and exceptional performance.
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