The harvest of 2009 has finally come to an end for our farm and many in our area of southwest Iowa. Although it was, and is still for many, somewhat stressful, the harvest showed record yields for both soybeans and corn on our farm and for many farmers across the U.S.
It appears that the yield increases of 50% to 100% projected by the seed companies over the next 10 to 30 years are possible. The next medium and long term plan for our farm includes preparing for those greater yields. We will be increasing our capacity to harvest, transport, dry and store the increased volume of the soybeans and corn we produce.
The increasing trend in crop yields is one of the messages ASA (American Soybean Association) and others are conveying to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and legislators to show the benefits of corn and soybeans in reducing green house gases and our ability to meet the needs of both food and fuel for our fellow citizens in the U.S. and around the world.
Our group efforts with EPA are to ensure accurate information is used when the new RFS2 (Renewable Fuels Standard) rules are developed and do no harm to agriculture.
Climate change legislation should be about making the best use of the resources we have, ensuring that the world has a secure food supply and increasingly becoming less dependent on fossil fuels. In both the EPA rules and the climate change legislation we in agriculture must ensure fair treatment and that we can remain competitive in food production.
We at ASA have developed a position paper on the climate change legislation. To view, go to http://www.soygrowers.com/policy/ClimateChange1109.pdf.