A trio of industry groups hosted federal officials for a field day of demonstrations on seed treatments, planting practices, and equipment innovations that are bringing continuous improvement to sustainable farming practices.
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted more than three dozen officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs for a series of hands-on presentations and product demonstrations.
The event offered an opportunity for producers and manufacturers to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies in each respective industry, and how these innovations have made modern agriculture more efficient and sustainable than ever. The product demonstration day took place on the working farm of NCGA Chairman Chip Bowling in Newburg, Maryland.
“AEM members were thrilled to join with our partners in this event to showcase how manufacturers and private industry have invested in transforming planters and farm equipment more broadly,” said AEM Senior Director Nick Tindall. “This event should serve as a model for how industry groups can work with environmental stakeholders and federal agencies to build understanding and cooperation on issues that affect agricultural stakeholders.”
”As an industry, we are committed to the goal of developing better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne. “Today’s event was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the critical role of innovation and stewardship in every step of bringing quality, safe, and nutritious products to market.”
“Farmers care deeply about keeping America’s land, water, and air safe for our families, our neighbors, and our communities. The National Corn Growers Association is committed to farming sustainably and protecting those resources for future generations,” said NCGA Chairman Chip Bowling. “We are excited for the opportunity to engage with regulators and to showcase advancements in farming practices that have improved the environmental profile of farming while increasing yields. Technology is key to improving the sustainability of farming. It is important that those who regulate this technology understand how these tools are used by farmers on the ground.”
The 2017 demo day builds off the successful demonstration of spray drift technology for the EPA in 2016. The groups who put on this year’s event will release a video capturing the event in the near future.
CommonGround
CommonGround is a group of farmers connecting with consumers through conversations about science and research and personal stories about food and misinformation surrounding farming. Supported by the NCGA and state corn organizations.
SHP
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health. Administered by NCGA the partnership has more than 220 working farms enrolled in 16 states. SHP’s mission is to utilize science and data to partner with farmers who are adopting conservation agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.
CUTC
The Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) is a biennial event happening this June. Learn more.
