The Times Are A-Changin’, and So Must Agricultural Production
At the turn of the century, close to 80% of the US population was involved in farming. If you did not grow your own food, you likely knew the person who did. Fast forward to today, and only about 2% of the US population is directly employed in agriculture (USDA NIFA website) . On the positive side, we enjoy more plentiful and economical food than ever before. For example, a recent issue of Newsweek compared prices of various commodities in 1965 with prices today. While the price of an ounce of gold has risen from...
Read MoreImproving the quality of life for producers and consumers
Food prices peaked in February of 2011. That is the good news. However, food prices in 2011 still exceeded 2010 prices by 24%. The outlook for 2012 is that prices will continue to decline, according to the Food Price Watch of the World Bank. While most of us focus on the cost to the consumer, and with good reason, it is easy to overlook the burden on the food producer. Farmers face increasing production costs associated with rising feed ingredient prices and energy prices. Because of the commoditized nature of...
Read MoreFood Security
Most people are aware of food safety, but food security is probably not an issue on many people’s minds. So just what is food security? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “food security” is built on three pillars: Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis. Food access: having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet. Food use: appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and...
Read MoreHelping Farmers be Successful
If you are in poultry production, you know how hard it is out there. While it has never been easy to make a living growing and selling poultry, the “perfect storm” of factors including high feed costs without a substantial increase in meat prices, combined with mounting consumer concerns about animal welfare and health, creates a uniquely difficult environment for farmers to be successful today. But, as it has often been noted, in every crisis lies the opportunity for real change. One of those tools for change...
Read MoreEnsuring Sustainable Food Supplies and Prices
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization reports that for the period between July of 2010 to March of 2011, world food prices were on an extreme rise, and that high prices were likely to continue through 2011. One solution that the FAO offered was for countries to invest in new agriculture and agricultural advancements. Sadly, world events contributed to the disruption in many food supplies, contributing to the rise in prices. Global food economics essentially boils down to supply and demand. Even if...
Read MoreNutrition and Its Impact on Economic Sustainability
The idea that a sustainable food chain is connected to global economic stability is often not considered. According to a 2005 overview by the World Bank, the two are inseparable: “Malnutrition slows economic growth and perpetuates poverty through three routes—direct losses in productivity from poor physical status; indirect losses from poor cognitive function and deficits in schooling; and losses owing to increased health care costs. Malnutrition’s economic costs are substantial: productivity losses to...
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