Produce more. Conserve more.

Tomorrow’s challenge: By 2050, United Nations’ experts say our planet must double food production to feed an anticipated population of 9.3 billion people.

A dwindling water supply coupled with farmers in need, increased demands for energy, and a rapidly changing climate have placed more pressures on agriculture than ever before. How do we overcome these obstacles? Understanding all the challenges is the first step to creating solutions. Innovation holds the key.

Spotlight on sustainability: Conservation tillage

Agricultural production has involved some form of tillage for centuries. The breaking up, grinding and smoothing out of soil with plowing devices has long been the farmer’s way of preparing a field for planting. But this long-established technique can damage soil and cause other environmental harm.

This month’s spotlight focuses on conservation tillage – a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional tilling and plowing practices. The benefits of conservation tillage are both economical and environmental. Farmers are able to save time and fuel while conserving soil and reducing GHG emissions.

Seed technology is key to expanding reduced-till agriculture. Herbicide resistance gives farmers a way to control weeds without having to disturb their soil. Farmers continue to be stewards of the environment and conservation tillage is another example of how they are caring for the land while conserving more natural resources. Learn more by exploring this month’s spotlight on sustainability.

Photo courtesy of the Colorado Farm Bureau.

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