This week, more than 400 farmers in our region-and even more throughout the state-attended the Linder Farm Network’s Ag Outlook Meetings. These farmers were looking to learn about weather outlooks, market trends, ways to improve yields. They heard from speakers who stressed our global economy.
I’ve often shared one of the most exciting things about our region is that we have something the rest of the world needs–food. This creates so many opportunities for us.
SWIF was at the Alexandria, Marshall and Willmar meetings to introduce our foundation and our Keep It Growing farmland giving program to local farmers. I want to thank our board chair Rob Saunders and vice chair Bob Thurston for attending with us. It was great to be able to acknowledge this entire group of farmers for their leadership.
Economic development is a huge part of what we support at SWIF, and agriculture is the driving force to our region’s economy. That makes each farmer a true economic leader!
Farmers are the ultimate entrepreneurs. Just looking at the agenda from this week’s meeting, we see all of the things a farmer needs to watch and know. And, think about the constant changes these farmers face.
As just one example, Dr. Jim Orf noted that narrower rows are one reason for higher yield in corn. Rows used to be 42 inches–because that was the width of a horse. Now, rows are 30, 22, even 20 inches. This is a huge change many current farmers have watched during their own lifetimes.
Here are a few tools shared at the meeting that you, or perhaps a farmer you know, may find of interest.
- Climate data: www.agclimate4u.org
- Market information, including free webinars: www.alkluis.com
- Minnesota Soybean Association: www.mnsoybean.org
- Biodiesel commercial airing in Twin Cities television: www.biodiesel.mn