Farmer's Daughter Blog Post: "GMO's from a Farmer's Daughter Point Of View"

Posted: 8/13/2018

 Hello Everyone! My name is Katie Schoenfelder, and I am a Farmer’s Daughter!

 It seems like there is one modern agricultural practice in particular that has drawn many misconceptions over the years:  The breeding of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops. There seems to be many questions about this practice so let’s dig into the facts about Genetically Modified Crops.

First of all, people have been breeding and modifying plants for thousands of years, and crops that are Genetically Modified allow us to alter a single gene at a time. This breeding practice allows us to create improved crops that are: Insect Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Herbicide Tolerant, that have Enhanced Nutritional Content, that Reduce Food Waste, and that Improve Manufacturing Processes. 

 Secondly, did you know that there are only 10 Genetically Modified Crops approved by the USDA and grown in the US? They are: Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa, Cotton, Sugar Beets, Canola, Potatoes, Squash, Apples, and Papayas. 

 On my family’s farm we grow two genetically modified crops: corn and soybeans. These crops have allowed us to produce more with less water, less chemicals, and less land. This advancement in technology has been wonderful for our family farm. My family also grows conventional or non-GM alfalfa on our farm; so we get enjoy the benefits of getting to pick and choose between what to grow and how to grow it. 

 I have also had first hand experience in the field; when it comes to GM Crops. I worked at a DOW AgroScience’s Field Research Station during the summers for 6 years growing up. This gave me a really neat insight into the industry and gave me a new appreciation for all of the hard work and thought that goes into how we produce our crops. I got a behind the scenes look into what goes on before the seeds get into the bag that the farmers plant. I spent many long days and walked many miles in those fields; and I can tell you that the people behind the product really care. 

 

As a Farmer's Daughter I have friends and family who grow, sell, and consume food and fiber in a variety of ways .  Some choose to grow and eat like I do, and some choose a different lifestyle; and that is okay. My family grows GM crops and raises livestock for food; and we still continue to love our family and friends who don't. This is not a competition against one another, this is a harmonious pursuit to feed the world. Whether you choose to support GMO, Conventional, Organic, or a Combination, remember that at the end of the day the choice is the most important component. As a consumer to look to the facts from reliable sources, ask a farmer or an agronomist about the questions you have about your food, please don't just believe the first thing you read on the internet. At the end of the day no matter what kind of farm your food comes from, we are all working to feed our world’s growing population with less resources. We need all types of agriculture to be successful, and I am personally very excited to see where the future will take us. 

 To learn more visit: 

www.GMOAnswers.com

https://www.bestfoodfacts.org

https://ag.purdue.edu/GMOs/Pages/The-Science-of-GMOs.aspx

 

Did you miss out on hearing me on this week's Farmer's Daughter?

Listen to it here: FARMER'S DAUGHTER-AUGUST 13TH 2018.mp3

Be sure to tune in each week during the "It's Your Agribusiness" show on Monday's at 10am on KELO 1320 AM and 107.9 FM