World Population: In 1976 the world population was
4.1 billion with a density of 28 people per square kilometer. Today, in 2018,
the world population is 7.6 billion with a density of 58 people per square
kilometer. We have nearly doubled our population and more than doubled our
density in just 42 years. It is easy to see that as these numbers increase our
land base for food production decreases. The food production industries have a
world of challenges in their future. I hope it doesn’t come down to the “have
and have nots” because in that scenario no one wins.
Crop Protection Companies: When I started my career,
there were about a dozen companies providing crop protection products for
farmers. Today the big three are Bayer/Monsanto, Syngenta/Chem China, and
Dow/Dupont. These three mega entities have combined sales of over $61 billion.
There are a few others but these three rule the roost. I really don’t think it
helps the end user by having so much of the market controlled by so few
players.
Understanding How Plants Work: We have come light
years from where we started in 1976. There is very little “broad base” use of
fertilizers today as there was before. We understand more of how plants utilize
certain nutrients and how to apply what the plant needs more precisely than ever
before. We understand that a tall vine is not always the most productive one.
It is a simple statement that really does apply to most crops.
American Farmers: I can only speak to what I have
seen and have heard; the American farmer is the most efficient food producer in
the world. This says a lot about our ag history and our ag future. I can only
hope that when my grandchildren get to my age they can say the same.
Overall: I can’t complain. Naturally there have been ups and downs but overall I can’t see myself doing anything elso by my chosen profession. We will leave marks behind us from the lives we have lived. I just hope mine have been more positive than negative.
