Technology has 'pivotal role' in agriculture

“Amazed at how technology plays such a pivotal role in Agriculture.”

— Participant observation after Agribusiness Day 2015

Leadership Genesee’s Agribusiness Day has always been in June to coincide with National Dairy Month. Program Director Peggy Marone shared that Agribusiness Day has certainly evolved over the last 15 years

“The most notable changes are related to the increasing role of science and technology,” she said.

“Surprised and enlightened on the struggles and obstacles that farmers are facing.”

— Participant observation after Agribusiness Day 2015
Two top local agribusiness professionals, Craig Yunker of CY Farms and Maureen Torrey of Torrey Farms, spoke to this reality during a panel discussion. One point of discussion involved the need to evolve how we produce food in light of the ever-expanding global population.

Both Maureen and Craig emphasized the importance of the role that science and technology play in agriculture and helped educate participants regarding GMOs and other agribusiness hot topics, including immigration reform and the need for labor.

Maureen and Craig shared how technology from other sources affects agribusiness as is the case of computing hardware glitches that began occurring in early June at the U.S. State Department. The glitch is causing a crisis for producers across the country as there is a huge backlog of temporary visas for seasonal workers. The growing season doesn’t wait and crops could be in real danger as there aren’t enough workers to harvest them.

“I learned a lot and was very surprised about how much technology is being used in farming.”

— Participant observation after Agribusiness Day 2015
For a first-hand perspective on how science and technology work hand in hand, the class visited Post Farms in Elba, where they had a chance to see a robotic milking operation. Jeff Post, co-owner of Post Farms and Genesee County Farm Bureau president, gave a tour of his family farm and shared that Post Farms has been using robotic milkers since 2010 with great success.

Surprised class members also learned that the cows are on their own schedule and make their way to the robotic milking parlor as often as three times a day. Along with their milking operation, the Post family grows corn, wheat alfalfa and other crops.

Later in the day, the class was able to see the progression from farm to production when they visited Müller Quaker Dairy. Class members called the tour “incredible” and shared how pleased they are that Müller Quaker chose to locate its plant in Genesee County and uses local products in its yogurt production.

This tour helped emphasize the enormity of agriculture in Genesee County; class members saw everything from a small family farm to a large-scale factory that utilizes the resources we have in our area.

Bob Conrad, director of Richmond Memorial Library and LG Class of 2015 member, reflected on the day.

“I know agribusiness is the backbone of our region’s economy, but this gave me a chance to see how it really works and meet the people who make it happen,” Conrad said. “I have a greater appreciation of how it all fits together.”

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said the hope is for class members to become more aware of some of the many issues facing agricultural producers and that this segment of our economy is very complex.
“The number of agriculture-related careers is fantastic and the industry needs people with vision to continue providing citizens with a safe food supply” Marone said. “The truth is quite clear, no farms, no food.”

The 2015 Agribusiness Day was sponsored by Farm Credit East, ACA and the Genesee County Farm Bureau. The lunch sponsor for the day was MY-T Acres Inc. Lamb Farms donated milk and Upstate Niagara Cooperative donated yogurt.

With a mission of “Exploring the Community & Encouraging the Leader Within,” Leadership Genesee is a year-long program designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and to enhance individual leadership skills with a focus on giving back to the community.

To learn more about supporting the 2015 program or participating at a future time, visit Leadership Genesee’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee or contact Program Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, Ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Source : thedailynewsonline

We Are Fossasia Stay Connected With Us On Twitter . . . ! ! !