American Agriculture: Growing a climate for tomorrow

As farmers and ranchers, our job is to work to secure food and resources for the world. It is up to us to help those that are hungry and in need be able to obtain and afford these items. As time ticks on, we are facing different challenges. However, with the advances in technology, production is more efficient, more profitable, and safer than ever before. The future of agriculture is bright.

As producers and processors, farmers are some of the most productive people in the world. They work day and night to care for their herd or crops. Today, technology has helped with so many aspects of caring for their produce that it has truly changed the way we work. With these advances we can now monitor moisture levels, get up-to-date aerial images, and machines that complete the job faster and more efficiently. This allows the producer to work more efficiently, with higher productivity. Thus lowering costs. In lowering cost and increasing production, we can provide quality products at a stable price.

Today’s challenges are bigger now than ever before. We face climate change, legislation changes, and inflation that tries to block what we all strive to do. That is to provide quality products and services at fair prices so that everyone can benefit. Especially those that are hungry. So many people each year go hungry or die due to a lack of proper nutrition from food. Farmers and Ranchers are on the front lines of the food chain to provide for others as well as their families. We strive to be more efficient and environmentally friendly and I believe the advancements in technology will help us greatly. For example, monitoring moisture levels, we know when our crops need water. This in turn will decrease water usage and decrease run-off and in turn decrease the impact on the environment.

As we step into the next age of production, the use of technology is causing a chain reaction in the efficiency of farming and ranching. As time goes on, I believe that these impacts will help with the availability of products as well as the stability of costs. I, as a future producer, know that these advancements and changes will positively impact not only individuals but hopefully the entire world. I am hoping to be one of those individuals who can make a difference in the industry and make a difference in the health and well being of the people around me.

The winners were chosen based on the theme: American Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow. Entrants chose to either write an essay or create a video.

“CHS has long supported rural youth education and leadership programs and we are proud to give this year’s essay contest winners a platform that lets them share their ideas with a broader audience,” says Annette Degnan, CHS Inc., director, Marketing Communications, and Agriculture Council of America board member.

The national written essay winner, Haden Coleman of Trinity, Texas, receives a $1,000 prize and will read his winning essay at the virtual Ag Day event on March 22, 2022. The contest also named two merit winners who receive $100 and blog posts featuring their essays. They are Rebekah Vague of Ellsworth, Kansas, and Makenna Stundebeck of Salisbury, Missouri.

This year’s video essay winner, Kenna Mullins of Oxford, Pennsylvania, wins a $1,000 prize. The winning entries can be viewed online at https://www.agday.org/2022-contest-winners.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Farm Progress.