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Nov 12, 2015
David Drake, manager of Hurst Farm in Abernathy, TX, explains the differences between stripper and picker harvesting systems for the Multi-Commodity Education Program (MCEP) participants. Photo courtesy of the National Cotton Council of America
Soybean leaders joined farmers from six Midwestern states last week for a Multi Commodity Crop Tour on the Texas High Plains in and around Lubbock, hosted by the National Cotton Council of America and sponsored by John Deere.
American Soybean Association (ASA) Directors Mark Jackson (IA) and E.L. Reed (MO) and Iowa Soybean Association Director Morey Hill attended the tour, which included education on the cotton, peanut, wine and dairy industries in this region of the U.S., in addition to discussion of the many challenges facing farmers and Industry partners.
Sustainability led the conversation, which encompassed weather extremes, profitability, international markets, environment, government regulation, modern technology, public perceptions and more.
Jackson said the three day program was led very proficiently by John Gibson and Susan Everett from cotton staff.
“It quickly becomes obvious during our discussions with the various farmer/directors, of the many benefits U.S. agriculture derives from the various commodity groups,” Jackson said. “Also, despite our regional differences, there were many similarities, not only as farmers but as directors in our respective commodity groups. This integration of directors was very educational and informative, while establishing new friendships and references for future contacts.”
